Seeing the Halls

Ken and Clare Hall, my brother-in-law and his wife, have been an integral part of my life for a long time. And not only are they family, they’re close friends as well. One of those nice twists of fate that has you actually liking the people you are related to.

Ken is a tall, friendly man whose only vice is working too hard. A graduate engineer from Rice, he spent his first lifetime helping DuPont transfer technology to the third world. In his second lifetime he’s a home inspector who keeps people buying homes from unpleasant surprises.

Clare is one of a vanishing breed of women, a real southern lady. Born in Florida, raised in Texas, she’s a gracious hostess and wonderful listener whose only fault lies in laughing “disaprovingly” when I tell an off-color story. She’s a real sweetheart.

Both Ken and Clare were participants in my last adventure. They lent me their daughter, Laura, as a willing travelling companion on a ten-week, 500-mile backpack trip down the length of Nevada. Then they made the trek west for our end-of-trip celebration

So it seemed fitting that on future expeditions, particularly in the eastern US, they should be included. A stop at their house has been on the agenda since this trip began.

Their home will be our last eastern objective. A place to rest and nourish for the continuation of our ride in the west. We hope to be at their house in Circleville, Ohio on Tuesday, September 28.

To be continued.