Marty has no arms

I cam across this on The Open Road Forum. It just made me say WOW...



A must Read! Very Inspirational and quite a Man!

I recently met a gentleman here in our campground. He camped in the space right across from me. He had a small pickup and travel trailer. The gentleman was outgoing and very friendly. He was the perfect neighbor and camper. His name was Marty. He's quite intelligent and a pleasure to converse with.



Marty has no arms. This gentleman drove in towing his trailer, parked it and unhitched it by himself. This is something you or I could probably not do with great amount of practice. I watched him in absolute amazement. Later the first evening I looked over and he had a campfire going! I walked over to visit and see if he needed anything. Hid rply was thanks but he was fine and thanked me for asking. After talking to Marty for some time I asked him right out. How do you drive with no arms? He quickly showed me how he drove with his left foot which sat in a cradle and was linked to the steering column with a chain mechanism. He had extensions on things like the turn signals and igniton etc he could activate/work with his mouth and a small (6-7" long) what he called his "little arm" on his right side. This man was amazing, full of wit and a very friendly person to be around. I enjoyed his company during his short stay. He cooked his nown dinner and quite frankly did everything you and I can do.



I tell this story because from now on everytime I think I'm having a rough day or having trouble backing or whatever it may be, I'll think of Marty. He made quite an impression on me. We take so many things for granted nowadays. There wasn't much he couldn't do. I don't think Marty is handicapped at all. I think the rest of us are. There are times where we complain or say "I just can't do it". Marty doesn't, he just goes on and does it and with a smile at that! We were talking and I had mentioned how my arm and shoulder was hurting after unloading the last load of firewood that was delivered here. He laughed at me and said next time call him and he's help or do it for me! Ya know what? I believe him. I had said to myself....... self now why did you go and say something like that!? He thought it was humerous.



I'm probably not telling this well but hopefully you get my drift. People like Marty are a rare breed and he left a lasting impression with me. His smile and laugh and ability to travel as he does is quite an inspiration. If you happen to run accross him, stop and say hi to one genuine happy, mart and capable person. You won't be sorry of the encounter.

The next time you have a hard time hooking up, backing, cooking, building a fire or just having a hard time smiling just think of Marty Quite that gentleman he is.



The day Marty left I walked over and offered to help him hookup. He looked at me with his smile and asked me.... what do you think I can't do it? (with a chuckle I might ad) I said no sir but just thought I'd offer. By the time I was done talking he was hooked up and ready to roll lmao!!!!! Like I said, I don't think Marty is handicapped. I think the rest of the world is Go Marty Go!



A Link to the firedude's adventures!





Retired Fire Captain.. Yessss!

2002 Chevy 2500HD 8.1, 4.10 w/ Allison 5 Spd,

Firestone 5,000 lb. Ride rite Air Bags

Keystone Challenger 31RLB - Prodigy BC

Reese 16K Quick slide

Verizon Wireless National Access - Air555 Card

Shorty & Little Ann - "Camp Host Dogs"

Full timing and loving it!

Selling the Classic

One of the hardest things to do when you are planning to go fulltime is to get rid of all your stuff. Especially if one of the items is my Classic 1965 Mustang. I have had the Mustang for over 27 years and fully restored it. I have already sold my 1994 Convertible GT Mustang. That was difficult but it will be tough to see the ’65 go. You can see my ad by clicking on the link to the left.

In the beginning

Greetings Family, Friends, and Visitors. Please bare with me, it will take me a while to get this journal organized. In the mean time it may seem chaos but I promise it will make sense as time goes on.



We are actually not fulltimers yet but I thought I would start this log now to let you all know what is involved in the preparation of going fulltime. The plan is to hit the road no later than January 2005. We will be leaving sooner if we can get everything in order early.