Hi Happy Campers, look who showed up at White Otter, our old pal Rooster! As we all know, we have not been at Happy Camp since 2019, and in late 2019 Rooster had a large stroke at his most favorite place in the world, White Otter Lake while camping on the Ponderosa.
We got word of Roosters troubles in 2020, and while we hoped for the best, we knew he has an uphill battle ahead of him. But alas, a few days ago I go to the lake with Magoo and I see his buddy John and Katelyn and Roosters old boat struggling to get him in the boat. At first I did not even recognize Rooster, but then I see his eyes, and it is old Martin himself!! As happy as Magoo and were to see him, we also realized quickly Rooster is not himself any longer. Rooster was using a cane, and walking very slowly to the boat. So I quickly helped John and lifted Rooster’s right leg into the boat. We were able to get him into the boat and there Rooster sat looking out onto White Otter. John explained to me that the stroke had taken the use of Rooster’s right side as well as his ability to speak. Despite much time to work on this thru therapy, Rooster is not able to speak, one can hope for a miracle, so everyone please pray!
Anyone who has come to Happy Camp in the last 10 years has either met or heard of Rooster. Rooster had become a favorite here, story telling and so much more. Rooster loved Happy Camp, the Wilderness and all that it brought. Often times Rooster would show up pulling his boat about 10 in the morning, would stop in for a chat, and the chat would last for hours and many beverages. Rooster was a master story teller to say the least. Rooster’s gift of gab certainly was a breathe of fresh air, but also were his antics and I chuckle as I write them. Rooster and I have tales to tell, from him coming up to grade the road, to falling in the fire, to his cussing and swearing about this and that, there certainly is only one Rooster!
As I helped John with Rooster, grabbing his arm, I could feel the pressure and frustration coming from Rooster. Looking into his eyes I could see it and the struggle to say anything, simply took the life out of me. To see our pal Rooster struggle mightily, certainly reminds us all how quickly life can turn on anyone! Rooster certainly had the zest for life and I am so hopeful that things will change for him, I also looked into those eyes how frustrating to not be able to do anything for him is frustrating beyond compare and while we say, Such is Life, sometime life totally sucks!
With that, we are very Sad Campers, not much more to say. As I was told a while back, life is a gift, live everyday, that certainly rings true! Mayflies are here, fish are biting, come on up to say hi. Take care everyone!