A good egg and my son remembers his dad

Mom on the nest and she's won't budge.

A mad mom keeps a watchful eye on the home owner who  trying to get a good look at her nest and the egg inside it.

A Baltimore Oriole hangs around my blossoming cherry tree.

AUBURN, Maine – Every spring, I inspect my green hedges that surround my front yard, searching for nests with an egg in it.

The nests are usually empty, but I discovered one several days ago with an egg laying there, apparently abandoned by mom and dad.

But as I moved closer to examine my exciting find like an eight-year-old child, a large mockingbird let out a screech, warning me to back off.

The mother was peering down at me from high up in my blossoming cherry tree — and she meant business.

I slowly moved away, never taking my eyes off mom for fear of being dive bombed by the angry parent. Getting picked off by one of our fine-feathered friends hurts.

“Take it easy, mom,” I said. “Have no fear, ma’am. I am just another curious hominid marveling at your offspring like a little boy.”

Mom wasn’t buying my explanation, stood her ground and gave me the evil eye.

I surrendered the high ground and went back inside my home to watch from the window to see if this protective mockingbird would return to her nest.

She did and nestled in to keep her vigil.

Our front lawn draws a variety birds because those hedges act like a natural barrier between cats and other predators that can’t penetrate the protective thicket and strike at our winged friends.

Each spring, a pair of mockingbirds return to hang out there, chasing away other birds with a vengeance as they nest in my hedges. 

That’s why we have bird seed and sewett hanging on poles in the middle of the front lawn. They put on show just five yards from our picture window.

I have witnessed mockingbirds shooing away large crows and blue jays. Fearless mockingbirds are the neighborhood bullies who stake out their turf without mercy.

But I always enjoy nature’s live show in front of our picture window.

The return of birds in the spring reminds me that I survived another harsh Maine winter and have another opportunity to enjoy a splendid summer and fall.

Anyday above ground is a good day.

What a son of a gun

The past year, Anthony, a University of Maine at Farmington junior, co-hosted a two-hour afternoon show on WUMF — the school’s radio station can be heard on the Internet.

During his last show of the season this week, Anthony decided to play “Sarah” on Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” as a tribute to his old man.

So what’s the big deal, you ask.

Well hear out a dedicated father for a moment, please!

Being the family storyteller and a journalist, I have been feeding Anthony’s stories of our lives since our son dashed down the hallway in a diaper.

Anthony enjoys stories from our past. I told him about my radio show at Norwich University in Vermont. We had recently got the album “Tusk.”

I played “Sarah” that evening and was sure the band had another hit coming its way.

Anthony returned the favor last Tuesday. 

That’s what sons do for their fathers.

Anthony's excellent adventure

FARMINGTON — Anthony’s journey to Peru started on Tuesday morning. He joined handful of University of Maine at Farmington students and two professors and headed to Boston’s Logan Airport. 

The bleary-eyed bunch left UMF at 4 a.m. The Maine contingent departed Logan at 10 a.m. and stopped in Newark, New Jersey for a layover before spending the next eights hours in the air while mom and dad worried like hell.

They reached the Pacific coast after traveling 3,777 miles to Lima where they landed around 9 p.m. Terri and I were ready to throw a party when he sent a Facebook message stating he was back on the ground.

Silly parents!

But Anthony and the rest of the UMF crew are about to become unofficial ambassadors to Peru and see apart of the world that remains forgotten about.

“Arrive at Peru 9:30,” Anthony wrote on Facebook. Don't expect me to write till around midnight, just so you don't worry.

“I understand. We love you,” Dad wrote as he reached an anxiety pill.

If I had it my way, those crazy kids would be traveling with a Navy Seal team and the U.S. Secret Service.

Silly parents!

The information about his trip is coming in drips and drabs because of access to the internet. Of course, every transmission stops the urge to call in the U.S. Marines and soothes his worried parents.

Here are Tuesday’s transmissions.

“Just checked in to hostel, flight was fine,” Anthony wrote as dad began to breath a little easier.

“Hot here today 80 degrees,” Anthony wrote. “Visited sites in Lima. Tomb of Francisco Pizarro in cathedral. 

WEDNESDAY 05/17/17

Mom wrote: “How is the food?”

“Yes I'm fine. Food is pretty good. It's incredible here,” Anthony wrote.

Mom wrote: “must be exciting  see any animals??”

Llamas, alpacas, guinea pigs. Had calamari for dinner,” Anthony wrote

THURSDAY 05/18/17

Thanks. Head to Pachacamac on the Pacific today, Anthony wrote:

According to Time Magazine: Located on a desert bluff, Pachacamac has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side, and a view of the foothills of the Andes on the other. The location made it one of the principal religious centers of pre-Columbian Lima. Until the Spaniards arrived in Lima in the 1530s, Pachacamac was the home of the most powerful Incan oracle on Peru's central coast.

Today, the site, which covers several square miles, offers visitors a glimpse at the intricate mud-brick structures of ancient Incan architecture. There is an on-going archaeological project run by several institutions, including Southern Illinois University and the Catholic University of Peru, and a small on-site museum that displays artifacts found over nearly a century of excavations. 

Wow. I was in the northern part of the Atacama Desert today. Thanks love ya. Have lots of stories when I get home. Fly to Andahuaylas tomorrow. Not sure if internet but will write when able, Anthony wrote.

Anytime, he mentions flying around Peru, I get nervous again, Dad wrote.

Friday, 05/19/17

Once again, Anthony and his band of nomads are on the move as he explores Peru and it’s rich history. Here are his latest posts on Friday. I miss him, but I can’t wait to see his pictures. He did report that several his party had altitude sickness.

‘Cool landed, Staying at Munay Wasi near Andahuaylas. Super rustic, about as much as you can get. Our place is very nice though,’ Anthony wrote. Yeah I saw pictures. There is electricity and water. It is like a hacienda of sorts 

“We are visiting a part of Peru most tourists don't go to The place we are staying at is a French religious mission. Like the kind in the westerns, but without monks Today we visited Andahualyas and the museum there. We mostly took it easy. We are now at 9,000 feet Some were sick because of it,” Anthony wrote

And the velocity of dad’s heart races and grows louder with each worry.

"Had spaghetti," Anthony wrote Spaghetti? 

"In Peru? What the hell?," Dad wrote

Saturday 05/21/17

Saturday, 05/19/17

Anthony was awakened by roosters and 50-degree weather in the Andes mountains. He will departing by bus for Cusco — which is more for tourists and hour and a half away. 

This was our Saturday morning chat, which lasted 20 precious minutes. You can learn a lot in 20 minutes

“Roosters invillage woke us up,” Anthony wrote.

“Drink water, buddy. Be aware of your body and what it needs. Love ya. This message was brought to you by loving parents,” dad wrote 

“Love you too. Like 50 here,” Anthony wrote.

“That is because you are in the desert, right?,” dad wrote. 

No in the Andes mountains, desert was two days go. We flew up here, 9000 feet above sea level,” Anthony wrote

“That must be one helluva of a sight. Taking pictures, I hope. Have to see them,” dad wrote, “What kind of plane?”

“Yes I am. Does it hold 500 or 1000 pics? Two engine prop plane,” Anthony wrote

“It should hold more than that. Be selective with your shots. I should have given you another memory card,” dad wrote 

“No it's fine have 250 so far just wondered about limit,” Anthony wrote

“Not sure, but I know I took over 800 at Gettysburg. How you holding out with altitude? Mom is getting coffee and lab tests,” Dad wrote

“Honestly have felt no changes. You breathe a bit faster but that's normal. Not sick or dehydrated,” Anthony wrote.

“Keep the water coming. What is for breakfast.” Dad wrote 

“Buttered bread and oranges,” Anthony wrote

“OK, go with it. Maybe you could go to Dunkin Donuts and get some Munchkins?” Dad joked. 

“Haha they have them in Lima but not here in the country,” Anthony wrote

“Well, I will open one there. Remember, everything runs on Dunkin, including Peru,” Dad wrote.

“Haha sounds good. We go to Cusco Monday night. More touristy there,” Anthony wrote.

“Buy mom something. Is your cash holding out?,” Dad wrote 

“Yes it is. I exchanged 300 and got 900 Got mom something already,” Anthony wrote 

“I am having so much fun following you. I have been publishing it on my blog and then to Facebook. That was nice of you. Just take care of yourself. You are on great adventure thanks to Jeff,” Dad wrote

“Yes it is so much fun, will tell you all the stories when I get home. Haven't had to change camera batteries yet,” Anthony wrote.

“That's because the warmth keeps the batteries going longer. Are you flying again to your next destination?,”  Dad wrote

“Not flying again till the end. Cusco to Lima, Lima to Newark, Newark to Boston,” Anthony wrote.

“Need anything. I will fly down and personally deliver it,” Dad wrote.

“Haha no I'm fine,” Anthony said.

“How are you getting to Cusco?,” Dad wrote.

“By bus,” Anthony wrote. “

How long a ride?,” Dad wrote

“About an hour and a half.” Anthony wrote

“Is Mrs. Frizzle driving the Magic School Bus?,” Dad wrote.

“No , Roki,” Anthony wrote

“Are there like real roads that are safe? Dad is always concerned,” Dad wrote.

“Yes they are real roads. Paved two years ago so they are nice,” Anthony wrote.

“I feel blessed,” Dad Wrote.

And then there was a long silence for the rest of the day, which drove two parents crazy. We went for a walk in Lisbon, hoping the two-mile course next to a soothing stream would sooth our apprehension.

That wasn’t happening.

I got on Facebook and started transmitting over the air.  

“Red River 5 are there, over? This BAT21, come in Red River 5, over!,” Dad wrote

Then Anthony was back on the air at around 6:30 p.m.  A sigh of relief was heard throughout the Pine Tree State. I called the Pentagon and ordered the Delta Force to stand down.

“It will be fine. If I made it to Andahuaylas, I am fine,” Anthony wrote. 

“Good to hear from you what u see today?”, Mom wrote

“We hiked a Chanka site. Ended up at 13,000 feet above sea level. Hard to hike in altitude,” Anthony wrote

“How long it take ?  how long? Is it hard,” Mom wrote. 

“45 mins. So hard. You stop every 15 feet to breathe. We drove around a lot. We were at 12,000 feet then hiked 1,000. No supper yet. Pizza restaurant soon” Anthony wrote

“Hiked a trail in Lisbon,” Mom wrote

“Oh neat. Yeah normally I'm good with hiking, but we had to get acclimated,” Anthony wrote. 

“You staying at hostel,” Mom asked

“Yes I am. Warmest blankets ever,” Anthony wrote. “Llamas always. Stray dogs everywhere. They are friendly. We are careful and stay clean though. No cats.

“You make friends with people,” Mom asked.

“Yeah,  it is a good group,” Anthony wrote. “Going to market tomorrow. Yeah it is neat. Very different here, poor. But all the people are friendly, everyone.

“Farmers yeah. They build their houses themselves. With what they can get.”

They have bottled water like Poland Spring?,” Mom asked.

“Yeah thats the only way we use it Even for tootbrushing,” Anthony wrote

Sunday, 05/21/17

There was no word from Anthony until 10 am.. I was about to bring the nation to Defcon Five, but then the silence was broken when Anthony wished his mom a happy birthday.

Happy Birthday!

1:58PM

Thanks we went to Farmington And Wilson Lake

what u do today, Mom wrote.

4:53PM

Today we went to the market. Got a cool souvenir will show you when home.

Where are you now and how are you feeling?, Mom wrote

I am at the hostel feeling fine

Mom says she loves you, and I believe her. Thanks for wishing her happy 

birthday, Dad wrote

Love you guys too

Are you enjoying your whirlwind tour across the planet, Dad wrote

Yes it is great fun

How was market?, Dad asked

Like the old world. It was awesome

Nothing like stepping back in time and visiting the good old days. Nice people, huh?,” Dad asked.

Yes. Got called gringos about 10 times

Yeah, but I am betting they said it with affection.

glad you had fun, dad wrote

Yeah they did. Thank you

what u buy? i'm nosey whats. for supper?, mom wrote

Tapestry type thing, kind of scarf like but not for wear. Good souvenir. Tomorrow I'm in the village we can buy hand-made stuff Make our own dinner tonight not sure

oh love the stuff...  i'm drooling...to market to martket

dads back, on, i'm off to zumba love ya, Mom wrote

Love you too

Hey, had an assignment in Farmington today.  What a ghost town with everybody gone. Took mom to Wilton, tossed her into  Wilton Lake for Birthday. Just kidding., sarcastic dad wrote

Haha sounds like a fun day

Beautiful views, but I know you are having a grand time, too., Dad wrote.

Yes I am. Tons of fun seeing everything here. But will be good to come home too

We miss you and worry, but that's what parents do. But I am so proud of you. Just take cae of yourself., dad wrote.

I will

When do you leave there, dad wrote

Tuesday we go to Cusco

Driving or flying?, dad asked

Driving 6 to 8 hours

That is a long ride through the mountains, dad said.

Yeah it will be. We will stop for lunch though

Roads good or do I have to send the Navy Seabees to build safe roads?, dad wrote

They are good. They drive with skill here. Traffic in Lima was so terrible it makes Boston look great

Wow, that is bad driving because they don't  call people from the Bay State Massholes for nothing., Dad wrote.

Monday, 05/22/17

Anthony has been in the Andes living among the population for the past three days. He now embarks on an seven-hour ride to Cusco, which is also a tourist destination. My anxiety level will be up there as he makes his way through the mountains via a bus.

Morning happy monday, Anthony wrote

Morning to you. How is the weather, dad talking

Nice here about 56

So another day in the mountains, right?

Yes today.

Heading to market. Cool!

No village with stuff for sale

That is cool How are the hostels treating all of you.

Very good

Will you stay in touch with anyone you have visited?

It would be hard, one phone in the village

Didn't get to know them that well

Fair enough. We are without a stove that caught fire and burned for 15 minutes. Coil went up in smoke.

That sucks. When are you getting a new one?

Not for a little while. Got to pay other bills. Will live off the grill for a couple of weeks.

Okay sounds good

Miss ya

Same here, look forward to seeing you guys

Ditto. Looking forward to heading south?

North?

Right.

Yeah I am.

Need anything, like Tony's Italian sandwich with sweet happy and salami?

that would be cappy

That would be nice

When do you head out this morning?

Around 9:30

Breakfast yet?

Soon yes

After market, what else is on the agenda today?

We are visiting the village all day. I repeat the market was yesterday

Got it. I am a confused like Moonstruck.

Haha. Not sure when we are leaving for Cusco tomorrow

Proud of you. Stay safe. Good group to travel with?

Yes they are pretty good.

Excellent. Talk to the professors much.

Yes a lot. They are a lot of fun

Good to hear. Anything else I can do for you even though you are halfway around the world?

Not really I am fine. A lot of fun here

Good, and I am glad you are hanging out with other cultures.

Yes it is a whole different world. Lots of poverty but little crime. They are good people

That speaks volumes about the Peruvians

Yeah they are good. The area we are in is the most rustic for sure. Cusco is for the tourists and the Amazon has more facilities for us.

But it will be great to have toilets that flush without pouring water into them

I'll bet. Camera working well for you?

Oh yes fantastic. Around 400 photos and video so far. Still on same batteries

Good. Able to take a shower there?

Yes but waiting till Cusco where it is nicer. Shaved though

You hippy!

You come see what we are living in

I don't mind but I'll like the facilities in Cusco tomorrow

I understand. You are roughing it but you are learning to make do. That is commendable.

Oh yeah it is fun. I found out that we are in the poorest part of Peru. But don't worry no danger

And tomorrow we leave anyways

These people are obviously proud, compassionate and have their dignity, which is more than I can say about the White House.

I have a 100 stories to tell when I get home. So many experiences

I want to hear all of them and please record them. I have been publishing our talks on Facebook on my blog. It is well read.

That's good thank you

I think it is exciting and not many of us get to see a culture close up like you have. Man, am I proud of you.

Still there?

Yes Thank you

Mom misses you for sure

Good humming bird shot I took

That's great

Getting a bunch of them now and everything is green and lush. Raining a little now. Heading to a game this afternoon.

Oh cool have fun

Anything else you want to talk about.

Got to go soon but I'll try and talk later

OK. Love ya and keep a sharp eye out.

Love you too I will

Bye. Mom will talk to you later.

2:30PM

shirley sent me birthday message

4:50PM

watching keepers on netflix about missing nun so good

8:50PM

Are you OK over there?

Yes fine

Heard about London but fine here

We watch it. I will give you this from CNN: Manchester, England (CNN)At least 19 people are dead and about 50 injured in a possible terrorist incident Monday night at Manchester Arena in England, where pop singer Ariana Grande was performing, Greater Manchester Police said.

"This is currently being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise," Manchester police said on Twitter.

"We can confirm there was an incident as people were leaving the Ariana Grande show last night. The incident took place outside the venue in a public space. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims," police said early Tuesday on Twitter.

Chat Conversation End

Wednesday and Tuesday’s entires 5/23-5/24

We were kept out of the loop for most of Tuesday as Anthony took an arduous nine-hour journey down threw the Andes Mountains to Cusco. Anthony said is was long, rough ride, but he credits the drivers’ precision for keeping the UMF crowd out of harms way. Without word for him, his parents were ready to greenlight an incursion by the U.S. Marines.

Hey, check in please Anthony, please write

Here 9 hour drive Worst but it's over

Are you ok, how bad was it you prob. haven't even eaten..I was worried mum,glad your okay

TUE 10:09PM

Just long and curving. I am fine. Had dinner in cusco

1:41AM

Love ya. Glad  you are fine.

6:34AM

morning from mum   kids love stories I tell them about your trip

Oh good I am glad they do. Today we will tour  Cusco

8:59AM

Very colonial looking here. Part of our Hostel is built on Inca walls

10:05AM

That is great. Sorry about the long trip. I am happy you are safe. how are you feeling?

1:49PM

Feeling good. Healthy the whole trip Friday is Machu Piccu

I am excited for you. I wish I could say the same. I am having a root canal done in Portland tomorrow. The pain is incredible. But don't worry about me. Just have fun and be careful.

Love ya

4:11PM

how are you? mom taking day off tomorrow to take dad to oral surgeon in..portland

8:12PM

Okay sounds good hope it goes fine

me too  how was today

It was good. Saw some Inca sites

that sounds cool what food you eat hello

Regular food They cook for tourists in cusco Burgers and the like great... 

Facilities must be better

Oh yes so much nicer.

you will have a lot to tell us when u get home

one week from tomorrow

Yes so many stories. Great time Yeah I start heading home then yeah

Oh cool Taking tons of photos

Awesome thank you

can't wait to see photos  and kids are excited to see you in spanish class

Oh that's neat. Yes they will have a lot to see with the photos

Yeah that would work.

your friends will be glad to see you...

Yeah can't wait to see them. Having fun but being home would be good

true... i bet the amazon is going to be so great and machu pichu

Yes can't wait. Tomorrow we visit the sacred valley and take a night train to aguas calientes. Friday piccu

jeff wants to get together too

That would be good

Yes we do. Mostly what's on the radio

spanish? english

Spanish mostly. Sometimes stuff on Q. Classic rock in hostels

neat....we miss you but glad your having a good trip.. memorable

Yes it is great

good

Looking forward to seeing you guys though Maine is still the best

what do you do on night train? dad wants to know

We ride for about an hour to the town below machu piccu

Yes two nights there. Like a tourist resort

very cool…. dad coming on now.. how are you feeling?

Okay

Tired?

Love ya

Did you get video of the ride down Love you too, Miss ya something fierce what are you doing now?

Little bit. I have a lot of video but not from the 9 hour ride. Motion sick bad No straight roads only tops of mountains. Thank god we won't do it again

That sucks. It is like Cadillac Mountain to 50th power

Just relaxing

how are your new digs

Like Cadillac mointain for 9 hours in vans and busses yeah They are good

Getting tooth done tomorrow. I want my mouth back. Had bad pain last night and today. Stayed home. Pain that can make you cry.

Oh I'm sorry. Glad you will get it taken care of.

Can't be helped. It beats being in pain for the last seven months.

Yeah that's true

Money holding out?

Yes plenty Have some US leftover

Good

We will be looking  at stove this weekend

Yes. I exchanged 300 and got 920 which is enough Sounds good

I love ya and proud of you Miss home?

Thanks I appreciate

So a train ride tomorrow?

Yes I do. Yes

Group getting along

Yeah they are not bad. I get along

Every one knows each other or you have become acquaintances

Nobody knew each other but we have gotten to know each other

Cool. Professors cool?

Oh yes very good

Good. Be careful up there please.No horsing around up at the mountain

Oh no I don't. When people are stupid I go my own way

Smart guy, but we knew that.

Thank you

Want to talk to mom more or do want to ask me anything.

Whatever works for you guys

OK, I love ya. Here is mom. Looking forward to your return, but take care of yourself and have fun. Here is mom now.

how you sleeping ?

you prob. need vacation from vacation?

Pretty good actuallu Actually

good....you get free time

Yes a good amount

watching pos about meteor shower strike..

Time to relax and stuff

nova

Oh cool

can't wait for end of school summer....vacation

signing off soon for night...

talk to you tomorrow  mom

Yes same here. Okay have a good night

loveya

Love you too

Chat Conversation End

Thursday’s Entries, 5/25/17

Anthony is on his way to Machu Picchu. The UMF contingent is taking the red-eye to this breath-tacking sight tonight.

All aboard!

So we will stay in touch with him via Facebook as usual.

8:23AM

taking dad to oral surgeon at 9 going to xmas tree shop b.a.m.

Oh cool have fun

1:24PM

mom here may get new stove at Agren 100.00 off

5:17PM

Oh that sounds good. At ollantaytambo, night train at 9 How is Dad?

Dad is recovering. Didn't feel a thing, but the pain that morning almost made me pass out in the office. It took just over an hour. The doctor originally crew up in Boston. We talked about Jews in Revere because he is Jew. He is intelligent and took away my pain. I was in a bad way.

Good glad it's fixed

mom here

Having dinner at place with wifi

tony harrington pulled me over this morning for not wearing seat belt  i got warning...

right at dd

Oh Wow

took me by surprise… you take train at 9

Yes I am. Right near station now

cool...machupicho will be fun

Yes it will be great

miss you though....tabby is grouchy....he misses you

Aww I miss my baby

yes  we got invitation to jared party.june 4

Oh cool we will go

dad needs Facebook page of his own

Haha yeah

how did today go?

It was good. Went to zoo and Inca battle site here. Mostly travelling day

nice  what did you see at zoo?

All kinds of animals that were rescued from black market

oh cool.....what u eat for supper

Ordered chicken still here

you must miss chocolate milk

Yes very much

dad will rototill garden this weekend...3 day weekend…

Oh cool

we will go to cemetery in solo sunday

That is good

dad here  Staying at better digs?

Yes hotel near machu piccu tonight We have been acclimated for a week. Heading lower now

Cool. I am a little out of the loop because the left side of my face misses the pain

That's okay. Yeah machu piccu is lower, than back to Cusco for a night, then jungle

So what else is new. I know I am feeling so much better. The dentist called me tonight to see how I am doing.

That's good glad you are feeling better

Thanks. The last two days were harsh lesson in pain when a tooth erupts at the nerve center. But you see, no nerves

Yes that is terrible You feeling well?

Yes all good. No reaction to food.

That is great to hear. Mark Mogenson's daughter caught something in Africa and went on antibiotics.

Dude, where art thou?

Sorry for food Got food Got to go will try and message around 11

OK, I will be up. Love you so much and beware of Three-Finger Willy. He is out there

Chat Conversation End

Friday, 5/26/17

Anthony’s visit to Machu Picchu was breathtaking sight for the UMF contingent. I am looking forward to pictures and tales from his visit.

He is back in Cusco where he will proceed to the Amazon basin to explore that segment of Peru. Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my. The UMF crew will be escorted by Peruvian state park rangers. I feel good about that.

Can’t wait to have him back on Friday.

Safe at hotel

Good night. Love ya

FRI 6:27AM

Same here. Leaving early for Machu Picchu this morning.

FRI 3:31PM

It was great What a place. Now going to hot springs to relax then dinner

oh sounds nice.. did you go in hot springs?soak like hot tub… we bought new stove black..ge...agren appliance.  They deliver it next thurs. june 1

FRI 5:48PM

Oh awesome I'm glad. Hot springs were cool Dinner soon 

what for dinner

Tomorrow leave early for Cusco. Message in the evening.

Love ya

Saturday and Sunday, 5/25-5/26

Right now, Anthony and his UMF crew have gone silent as they head toward Peru’s Amazon basin. There is no Internet where they are going and that means they are off the air until Wednesday.

This sound of silence has his two parents worried and out of the loop for 72 hours. We will have no contact him through Facebook, which makes for a lonely Memorial Day holiday for both for two parents who are counting the minutes until his return.

I have the U.S. Marines on speed dial just in case.

All we can do is remain positive as they travel to a region of the world that includes anaconda snakes, jaguars and assorted big bugs.

Worried? You bet! Seventy two hours seems like a year when you can’t speak with your son.

So we wait in silence.

Here are a few transmissions from Anthony before entered a location where the Internet doesn’t exist. No Internet? Sounds enticing to me.

Aww cute. Back in cuscc Oh cool. We just got briefed by our guides tomorrow jungle. Message after dinner.

okay good.. talk then

Yeah probably like 8:50 or 9 your time

cool... what for supper

Going to look in a minute

SAT 10:14PM

Sorry just got on. I leave at 5:30 tomorrow. No internet until Wednesday night. I will be fine. I love you guys

How long is the ride?

How long is the ride?

You there?

5:39AM

The ride is 9 hours with stops. None of it remote, people go there. Love ya talk to you Wednesday.

8:23AM

love ya  mom

Chat Conversation End

Thursday June 1/Friday June 2, 2017 FINAL CHAPTER

Terri and I were on edge after Anthony’s visit to the Amazon basin in Peru. We wanted him back and he couldn’t wait to get home after an adventure that few people ever get to do in their lifetimes. He was off he beaten trail and saw a part of the world that is often ignored by tourists. He spent nights in hostels, scaling mountains and spent hours on mountain roads with eye-opening views of Peru’s mountainous landscape. 

We picked up our weary traveler at Logan Airport on Friday. I was so nervous about his 12-hour flight home, I spent the morning tracking his flight on my MAC.

Well, the Anthony has landed and his parents can rest easy he is not scaling another mountain. He spent 18 days with two University of Maine at Farmington professors who gave UMF students the grand tour of a nation rich in history. 

Here are his final conversations with us before he arrived in Boston at around 11:30 a.m.

Back in cusco

Thank god. We worried. Lightning here and thunder. Got to run to write a story. Just got back from Farmington. Love ya.

Love you too

You OK

Fine just got in

Message details soon just walked through door

OK, I will talk to you around 10:30 ur time.

Jungle was awesome and terrifying. Great experience. Glad to be back though Going to dinner for an hour or so

Love ya. Now you know how Teddy Roosevelt felt on the River of Doubt.

Yes it was quite the experience Talk to you tomorrow

Love you handsome. Can't wait to see you.

Same here!

THU 6:30AM

glad your back from amazon    can't wait until tomorrow to pick you up…mum can't wait to hear your stories

Yes can't wait to see you tomorrow

me too you be about noon ....we will leave at 9

Yes I think so. Will send all info later this morning

you must be tired...

need vacation from vacation

Yes will be nice to relax. I start work Monday but mostly 3 hour shifts next week

thats not bad... can't wait to see pictures

Cool I took a lot

amazon must have been  fun, you see diff. animals...

Yes all creatures great and small  Oh yeah tons of different kinds monkeys Yes saw those. Birds too.

birds must be beautiful what was terrifying

Everything. It is a beautiful place and the same time the most hostile environment in the world.

how hostel new stove comes today  dietician appt

Countless dangerous animals and plants, constantly changing weather

Oh cool

oh wow  yes dangerous animals....hopefully you took pics of some animals

Yeah I got a good amount

you'll need new photo albums...or scrapbooks… off to school ttyl  mum have a good day

Yes both probably Thanks you too

THU 8:29AM

Dude, I love ya. Can't wait to see you.

Same here. We will land in Boston at 11:08 tomorrow. Terminal B or whatever is United. Even if it's not B head to the United. I won't have internet after this because I will be travelling

THU 10:27AM

What time are you departing?

4:30 flight from Cusco to Lima. Layover, then to Newark. Layover, then to Boston

Can't wait. Looking forward to you regaling us with your fantastic stories and seeing your pictures. OK, got it. Man do you we miss you. How about Kelly's or the Kowloon? Your pick?

Yes can't wait to see you

Kelly's or the Kowloon?

Ooh that's a hard choice

We are not making it easy for you

Haha.

What are you doing now?

Packed up and waiting for lunch. I'm ready to go now Can't wait. Had fun but there comes a time when you get dobe

I understand, Being a world traveler can wear you out.

Yeah. Maybe we can talk about lunch when you get me? Not sure yet.

No need for a quick decision. Just making you an offer you can't refuse.

Haha I won't refuse it.

We just want you home We will leave for Logan at 7:30 a.m. If you don't see us, don't panic and I have my cell phone on.

Same here

When do you depart from Cusco?

We depart vuscp at 4:30 Flights all night and morning

Great, you will droopy and wanting to sleep

I'll sleep on the plane. I want to be awake in the afternoon

Smart move! You are indeed a thinker. Stove comes today.  Kitchen super clean, working bathroom.

Awesome thanks so mucg

Anything for you, brother. We were in a trance waiting for you to check in on Wednesday. Covered a Mt. Blue game. Big lightning bolt and thunder sent everybody running for cover last night. Hellacious ride home. More thunder today. I feel like we live in the rainforest.

Oh wow that's too bad. Yeah I was hoping to get home sooner from the jungle to let you guys know. The ride was 12 hours, 14 with stops

Jesus Christ, that must have been hellacious, too. Wow. You need a vacation from a vacation.

Yeah it was something for sure. Yeah it will be nice to relax this weekend.

How many miles was it? Getting along with the group.

Not sure. The bus could only go 30 on those mountain roads.

Holy shit. Was it a long drop down

Yeah it was a good group. Yeah it was.

That helps alot You need some good home cooking!

Yeah they were good.  We all had a lot of fun. Tell me about it! Everything here is bread

Yeah, because they are poor

Oh I know. But my bowels were not grateful. I was not that picky but I miss my home food.

Yeah, that can bind you up. You will have to turn to vegetables. Anything that comes out of the ground, I will eat. Salad keep it moving.

We had plenty of veggies too. When I'm hungry I can't argue.

Good. I don't want you looking like a POW.

No I'm fine. But I won't miss my fish coming with the head attached

Wow, that's the way the Mafia sends it to the families of people they have knocked off. That's funny.

Yeah it's funny looking your food in the idea.

I don't my food staring back at me. I prefer it headless.

Yeah same here

What kind of plane are you taking to Lima?

Jet plane, tourists come through all the time

Good, no twi-engine prop job.

No it's jet which is good

How long is the flight?

Like an hour and a half

Fast! Cool

Yeah the only long flight is Lima to Newark

Is security good there?

Airports yes, but otherwise not really. The police are kept so busy Cusco is kind of disgusting with crime

Great, watch yourself man

Hey I'm done here. Lunch and taxi to airport

I discovered our TV is also a stereo with the Blue Ray. Listening to music

OK, we'll we hear from you again

Oh that's neat After I leave for airport no internet

So when it that again?

I won't be able to talk after 2. Maybe text from newark

I want you to text me from Newark. I will have the Cell next to me in the bedroom or on the road

Okay I will do that

Thanks. Wish mom could talk to you, but she just wants you back and so do I.

I know I'm nearly there.

You bet, but I am proud.

Thank you

You want me to stay on or are you about to be busy?

Not busy till 11 it's up to you

I will stay on. Need anything when you return All set with money

Just that beautiful lunch. I think I am set. I still have 100 cash leftover which if it's okay with you I will put in the bank. I have not worked for a month so that will keep me going for a few weeks

Keep it. Are you going to exchange your pesos back to American bills?

I will exchange about 150 soles. That will give me 50 US

keep that, too. Really that will help having the $150.00

Yes it will help a lot.

Was the money enough for the trip?

Oh yes plenty. 1 us dollar is 3.2 soles

Good to know. Glad you had a great time and money lasted.

Yes it was more than enough. Got some great souvenirs tpp Too

Cool, can't wait to check them out

Yeah you will like them

I am sure I will Mom will get a kick out of them.

Oh yeah I think she will. I start at the ywca Monday but it's mostly just 3 hours a day this week

Hey, it helps, but take it easy this weekend. No need to go crazy.

Oh I know I won’t But I will be fine

Stomach holding up. No evidence of stomach bugs?

No it's been good, never got sick at all. At times I wouldn't go for days because of the bread though. Got motion sick in Apurimac canyon but did not throw up

Well, that is natural. Your body has the final say.

Yeah that's true. Did so much driving the ride from Mass to Maine will be like 5 mins

I am sure it will, but we will take it slow enjoy our time and your stories.

Oh yeah we will

Got a lot done around here. I spend three damn days on the yard because it got ahead of me, but it is planted.

That's great thank you

Yeah, it looks green and lush. The rain won't relent. It sucks, really. I have been rained in four damn games. I am like an old wet rag.

Oh I'm sorry hopefully it will stop soon. All it did before I left was rain

Hasn't changed. We had a good week and the fucking block high returned. I have had to wear a jacket up in Farmington. Can you believe it.

Wow that's nuts. All through may

Yup. Depressing and the inflamed tooth was like being tortured by the Nazis.

Yeah glad that's taken care of it.

Well, I still have two more visits. One the filling and then the crown. That pain was something.

Yeah tooth pain is horrible

You got that right. Just take it easy. It will be good to see you and go to the concert and Portland for the festival.

Oh yeah we will have fun

Yes we will.

Need anything special at home. We have chocolate milk and juice for you

I would love some mozzarella Stick s

Really!

Yeah at some point but for one dinner that would be cool.

We will take care of that

Thank you so mucg

My pleasure

Thinking maybe kowloon tomorrow but we'll see

That's fine. Maybe I should call Bobby Vitali to meet us there, but that is up to you.

Sounds good

Lunch soon for you?

Yep in a few minutes

No hurry All packed

Trump a big issue for there, too?

Yes I am, and rearing to gp

Not really here

We will be there on time, for sure.

Sounds good

Next stop Lima for how long a layover

In Lima the layover is 4 hours

Wow

Get dinner there Yeah

Can't talk from there, right?

No no internet. In Newark I can turn my service on again

Cool. Safe trip and we will see you in 24 hours. Are you all set?

I am

OK, I love you. See soon then.

bye

Love you too sounds good

I will let you go

Okay

Go get and enjoy

THU 2:37PM

love mom 

Hi off to airport see you tomorrow

love ya

7:03AM

8:14AM

Oh cool. Am at newark

Chat Conversation End

Stay tuned for more of Anthony’s Excellent Adventure and a subplot about two worried parents.