Addendum

Gary asked me to post the story below and also the picture of him and Troy in the Zodiac. I took the liberty of also including photos of Gary with some "local girls" in Ketchikan, Gary at the helm and also on the bow of the sailboat. If you can't see his ear-to-ear smile in each picture than you must be blind!

Troy and I so enjoyed Gary's visit with us that week - he is a very willing and eager crew member and we could hardly get him away from the helm. My other thrill that week was that Troy and Gary celebrated my 32rd birthday with me in one of my favorite places on earth: Taku Harbor. It was also that morning that we saw the Orca family swimming alongside our boat. Who could have asked for better gifts?

Gary, I hope that together we add more adventures to our lifes' stories. I would be delighted to travel anywhere with you and I know Troy would want it for us, too.

Love always,
Your daughter,
Lori

Gary's Alaska Adventure

1/1/2008

Thank you Troy, for letting me experience and see things that few people will ever experience in their whole lives, especially a South Dakota boy. I sailed the Inside Passage with Troy and Lori. They were on their way from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska and I caught the sailboat in Ketchikan. I had no idea what was ahead of me, but I knew that Troy and Lori knew what they were doing and I was crew outfitted with white soled deck shoes and my Filson gear. I read the sailing book before I left, oh yes, and the book of knots and it gave me enough information to let me know that I was out of my league. I did know that I loved the water and boats and I needed to follow directions to be any help.

Ketchikan
Lori came over with the boat Taxi to pick me up at the airport, that was my first hint that I was in another world, and I loved it. Entering the marina greeted me with Eagles perched on the buoy entrance, and BOATS, what a kick, he dropped us off right at our slip. Troy was already checking the weather and double checking the minute of the tides. Handsome (the cat) was napping in his favorite bunk.

The weather was not cooperating, the next days winds were not going to be pleasant so we waited a day. I got to see Creek Street where in the old days you found bootleg whiskey and ladies of the night, now they sell fine jewelry to the tourists that come through on the huge cruise ships, 14 story ships, being on the dock next to them it was hard to believe they could float. When we got back from the tour of the town Troy had to take me for a ride in the Zodiac, this was a small inflatable pulled along for safety reasons, that was the story Troy kept telling me as we took the white knuckle ride across the bay and back, at full throttle. He was giggling the whole time.

Day 1
We pulled out of the marina and headed North, we just got out and away, beside us is a seaplane taking off, no mufflers and lots of horsepower. What a sendoff!!

Our first day was 90 some miles, we saw hump back whales in the first 20 miles and after we were away from the dock and a nice distance from land Troy gave me the wheel, he knew it was safe, we were 30 minutes from hitting land. I had a couple hours at the wheel then Troy came and sent me up to sit propped up against the mast, I had a beautiful and relaxing view. I had only been there a few minutes when an eagle came down 30 yards in front of the boat to pick a salmon out of the water and fly away, what an amazing adventure. We passed an island that was filled with sea lion, as we went by they were barking to us to say hello, you see it on TV but to see it in person takes your breath away.

Troy got us through some narrows that felt a little tight to me but with the electronics Troy said it was easy, main problem was the water flow was against us so it was slow going for about a mile then it opened up again and we picked up some speed. The day came to an end with a beautiful sundown that spread out forever being on the water having little or no land to confine it. Troy had a spot picked out to anchor for the night but it was already dark about an hour before we got there, it was that black dark, no moon for light. Troy and Lori were confident with the graphs and I had seen enough of what they were doing and how accurate they were to understand why, but I could not handle the pressure, I had to go up front to check it out, thank goodness I did there was a boat out in the middle of no where anchored for the night (no night lights) we were 100 yards away but it seemed closer when you don’t think anyone is there. Lori’s fine meal and a couple of cold beers ended a wonderful day of water and sun. Falling asleep on the boat with a light breeze and the gentle rocking of the boat is just about as peaceful as you will ever find.

Day 2
I forgot to tell you that being crew means you get to pull up the anchor, it was probably the most useful thing I did, I was glad to be of some help. We were about 30 miles from Brett’s cabin, it was very narrow and I really appreciated the great electronics Troy had installed, it showed the buoys and the depth of the water, and exactly where the boat was positioned in the channel. The amazing thing to me was that the cruise ships go thru that same channel. We got to the cabin, pulled off to the side of the channel and dropped anchor. The cabin was nestled back in the woods on the side of the mountain, directly across the water was a magnificent mountain with snow on the peaks. Brett came out to get us in the skiff, after a couple hours of greetings and checking out our surroundings we went to work moving in a new outhouse. Brett was creating a place that was self efficient and had a porch with a view that just didn’t quit. Late in the afternoon Troy, Brett and I and a dog (I can’t remember his name) went to check the crab pots, what a catch and what a meal fresh crab and Lori made a big pot of chili. We did not accomplish much after that meal. Brett started a fire in the cabin so we could sit around and tell stories until we could not stay awake any longer then we made our way back to the boat.

Day 3
It was 12 miles to Petersburg, we pulled into the marina to fuel up and get supplies to get us to Juneau. I jumped onto the dock and started tying up to the huge cleats, I had the boat secured and Lori and I ran up to get supplies, when we got back I noticed that both of the ropes were retied, needless to say they were perfect and both were exactly alike. The notes were perfect and everything on the boat was immaculate all the time. Troy and Lori kept the boat spotless and it showed comparing theirs to the rest of the marina. Troy checked the radio to see what we had coming while I fueled up. The wind was going to pick up so we found a bay on the map to get to by the end of the day. The wind was at our back and there was a light rain all day long. I had all the gear Troy told me I would need and I was steering the boat, it does not get any better that this, if I had to work in these conditions I would be whining big time, we no more than got anchored and strapped down in the bay when the wind hit 60 miles per hour. It was bad enough the Coast Guard pulled in to hide out for the night. I was very thankful for that bay.

Day 4
The storm had given up for the most part. Troy was checking the radio finding out what the day could bring. The start was going to be a little choppy but it should get better as the day progressed. We decided to go for it, the wind only blew for about an hour and then it was as calm as glass. We found ourselves being escorted by 24-30 porpoise. They would get as close to the boat as possible and cross just in front of the boat jumping over each other. They followed and played with us for 10-12 miles. Lori got some pictures and short clips, what a sight. A few miles later we spotted a family of orca, the mom and dad were huge and the kid was jumping out of the water as if he were playing games.

Troy had a large bay scoped out with a dock used by the forest service. It was a nice place to
camp. The three of us got into the zodiac for a ride way back into the bay, there were eagle everywhere, trees would have 8-10 birds in each tree. What an amazing animal.

Day 5
The further we got north the larger and grander the mountains grew, we came to our first glacier, it was incredible how much the temperature changed as we went past the inlet, the water was so clear and there was a line in the water of the tide coming in and the glacier water running out. I saw my first floating iceberg, it was a small chunk but I didn’t really want to find any large ones. I was glad Troy had the Kevlar hull, I really didn’t want to try it out. Our last night out was a bay that use to be an old salmon cannery where the boats could pull right up and dump their catch of the day, there was very little left other than the large wheels for the belt drive. Troy spent a couple hours cleaning and organizing the boat while Lori and I took a hike around the area. Troy had to warn me about the bear, I was looking over my shoulder quite frequently, I didn’t want to be lunch.

Day 6
This was the last leg into Juneau, it was a beautiful warm sunshine day, we met a cruise ship heading to the glacier we had passed. The peace and calm of being on the boat is something I will cherish forever. Pulling into town was a kick, it is one thing to fly into town but pulling up to the marina at the end of a fabulous journey gave you a thrill yet it was sad for it to be coming to an end. I had a little time before my flight so we got to see some old friends and have some lunch.

This was the first time I noticed that the world was still rocking, it took me four days before it stopped swaying.

Thank you Troy and Lori for memories that will last forever and giving me an experience that few people could only imagine.
With Love, Gary

Random Acts of Kindness

I'm stepping back here a little bit...as I had wanted to thank the beautiful people of Cornish, Maine who came to my aid at the time of the accident and in the days that followed.

We had our dog, Sheriff, with us in the car and when Amanda came to be by my side until the paramedics arrived she had asked if anyone else was in the car - other than myself and Troy. I told her our dog. She called for her son, Jesse, I believe, to get the dog. This nice boy went and picked up Sheriff, who was near the car and unhurt, and came over to me and knelt down to let me know Sheriff was okay. He was shivering and Jesse told me he would take Sheriff to the house to keep him warm. Later that evening a nurse delivered me a message that Amanda and her family would watch Sheriff until I could get him, not to worry that he was fine, and left phone numbers for me to call them. The next day I did make a call to their home and Amanda was so reassuring that they had no problem watching Sheriff. I couldn't believe how kind and generous Amanda and her family were! They didn't know me, they had just put my needs ahead of theirs.

On Monday, I also called Joe at the funeral home to see what I needed to do for Troy and give him information. I mentioned to Joe that there had been photo equipment in the car and also that I had a cat at the farmhouse. He told me he knew the tow-truck operator who had taken our vehicle and would make arrangements to get the important items out of the car and hang onto them until I returned. He also volunteered to go to the house to check on Handsome. Again, this was someone whom I had never met and who took time from his busy schedule to help me.

The nurses and other staff at Maine Medical Center went above and beyond the call of duty to make me comfortable, offered words of strength and understanding and also allowed me to make and receive calls at all hours of the day and night. My nurse the first night in the hospital, Ruthie, shared with me a story of personal loss and told me that she would be thinking of me every day for the next whole month. On Monday my room was a revolving door of counselors, mental health professionals, nursing staff and social workers. They wanted to do all they could for me - physically, emotionally and mentally - it was truly amazing to feel such an outpouring of support. Even the switchboard operator, Kimberly, brought me a lovely vase of flowers, as she had heard my story from numerous friends and family from across the country, but felt so bad that I didn't have someone there in Maine to be by my side. After the doctor visited with me on Monday afternoon and explained more about my injuries, that they needed time to heal, but that I didn't have to remain in the hospital, he also told me he knew of my situation of losing my husband in the accident and that my family and friends were out of state (but some on the way to be with me). He said to me that if I needed to stay in the hospital for a week until I was comfortable leaving, that there was a bed for me and not to worry. Can you imagine? A doctor and hospital who treated me in a holistic manner...not just my body, but my heart, mind and soul, as well??

These were difficult days, but without the help and support of these amazing people they would have been much harder to get through.

Thank You!
With deepest gratitude,
Lori

1998-2001

After we moved from Juneau we rented in Silverdale, Washington and then in Astoria, Oregon. During the time in Washington we owned two more sailboats (both great deals that we fixed up and resold). We went out whenever we could, mostly weekends, and sailed near home and Puget Sound. We made our first "big" summer trip (2 weeks) to the San Juan Islands. This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! Friday Harbor is a quaint town and the entire island chain is so picturesque.

These years were a little less adventurous for us, as Troy was experiencing more back pain and ended up having surgery (lumbar discectomy) in November 2000. I also was under the weather with a non-functioning gallbladder and had that removed in July 2001. Luckily, we both recovered quite well from our surgeries.

On May 26, 2001 we did manage to climb Mt. St. Helens (coincidentally my 29th birthday). This was something we weren't at all trained for, but you know how Troy was, he had that "let's get the gear and go do it!" attitude. We drove the day before, put up the tent and camped with the rest of the climbers. We heard that the right way to do it was to get up and on the trail by 4am -- I think we were up around 7am! It took us 5 hours to climb up and the last few hundred yards were straight up, but when we got to the top and looked down and around it was so worth it. From the summit you can see into Spirit Lake, which is still filled with downed trees from the eruption in 1980. Going down the mountain only took 2 hours as we took the advice of others and "glisaded" down. If you don't know of this technique, you sit your butt down on the snow and GO!! The trails were already in place and let me tell you, it was fun!! Troy and I joked later that we wanted to be taken by helicopter to the top just so we could go down again.

lco

From the Schumachers

We would like to share a memory we hold dear to our hearts of Troy when he was a young boy. When we moved to Rapid City from Hill City, our daughter, Karri, started third grade at Annie Tallent. She had a rocky start because of some bullying from a group of boys. One day on the playground, this group of boys took Karri's lunchbox from her and began kicking it around. Another boy stepped up to her defense and told them to leave her alone and when they asked him "why and what's it to you," he answered them by saying she was his sister. Because this boy was apparently well liked and also an upper classman (maybe a 5th grader), they backed off. For days afterwards, this boy would watch over her on the playground or walk her to class to make sure she was not bothered. Karri had no idea who he was, but when she told us his name was Troy O'Neill, we certainly knew who he was and were very thankful. The world is so small at times!

We are sure Troy was a wonderful son as he certainly was a wonderful young man. We know you will miss him terribly, and we will pray that your precious memories of him will give you comfort and peace until you meet again.

Gary & Shirley Schumacher

(from a letter sent to Gary & Sharon Tschetter, printed here with permission)

Stories & Comments

Don't forget that you can add your stories and/or comments to the blog at anytime! I've opened up the blog to members and non-members alike - either way is easy and it's quick and free to become a member, too.

If posting isn't working, just email me your story: twolcfo@yahoo.com or you can send me a note: 2210 Tedesca Drive, Henderson, NV 89052, and ask that it be posted on the blog.

Thanks again for all your comments and support.

I'll write more soon!

Love, Lori

North to Alaska!

When Troy and I returned from Europe in 1994 we spent a few months in Arizona near my father, Rick. I think we didn't want to head back to RC and "settle down" and the trip overseas had just wet our appetite for adventure! While in Scottsdale we watched episode after episode of Northern Exposure and just loved that show (still do). We knew it wasn't filmed in Alaska -- Washington state, actually -- but if the people were anything like they portrayed them on TV we just had to go and see for ourselves.

We packed our little car with everything that would fit and our dog, Hogan (a boxer puppy) and started driving. Troy used to say that we drove the speed limit of the heat that day, which was 114, and honestly, I think it was pretty close. We spent a day or two in Portland with my parents and then drove up to Vancouver, BC. It was here that our car engine caught fire. I remember Troy was driving and I had one hand on the dog and the other on the door handle! We finally made it to the edge of town, with smoke billowing out from under the hood, and parked for the night in a church lot. We figured we'd be pretty safe there and hopefully no police would come and kick us out. The next morning we found a garage that would take cash for our new engine - and offer no receipt! - and so we left the car there and walked to a nearby motel. The funny thing (or not so funny at the time), was that we had less than $2000 for the rest of our trip and to get a place to live when we arrived. I nervously called my parents and asked for a loan of $800 to cover the engine cost. I think they were nervous as well - they really didn't know Troy and here we were, two young lovers, unmarried, with next to nothing and no money, driving to Alaska. Regardless, they did wire the money and a few days later we were off and running...again.

When we arrived in Skagway we had to get on the ferry to Juneau. We pulled up to the ferry parking line and discovered we had about five hours before boarding. It had been an awful long few days and we headed on foot to the Red Onion - a famous Skagway bar. By the time we had to get back to the car to load it on the ferry we were pretty blitzed! I remember once we got aboard the ferry it was around 10:00 pm and before we left the harbor the captain announced that the northern lights were viewable from the front deck. I'm not sure if it was the excitement of being in Alaska or the alcohol, but those were the most beautiful Aurora Borealis colors we had ever seen!!

In Juneau we lived in a tent for 6 weeks then rented an RV for another month. On December 1st we finally moved into a small apartment on Douglas Island (just west of Juneau a few miles, accessible by bridge). That Christmas we were too poor for a tree and all the trimmings, but I remember Troy brought home a poinsettia from the store about a week before the holiday and we used that instead of a tree. We also bought a sofa as our gift to and from each other. That was a very memorable Christmas and one I won't forget.

Juneau was fabulous! We met lots of great people and established life-long friendships. Some are still in Juneau, others have moved to the Lower 48. We also began our sailboat adventures in Juneau...first with a small 19 foot boat (that we didn't live on) and then with a 30 foot live-aboard sailboat. We spent our summer weekends traveling to nearby harbors with friends and the yacht club (even though I don't think we ever became official members!). We learned the hard way what the wind could and couldn't do. Troy was famous in Juneau for getting a speeding ticket in the harbor on his little inflatable dingy -- which had an engine twice the HP that was recommended -- naturally!

Troy and I were married in a double ceremony with Sharon and Gary (Troy's mom and stepdad) at the Shrine of St. Therese on March 25, 1995. It was a beautiful spring day with lots of snow that had fallen just the night before.

We adopted our second 4-legged kid, Handsome, the cat, in August 1995. He's been a great companion and trooper - living aboard, traveling by boat, car and plane numerous times and (so far) he's lived in about a dozen different towns. (We had given Hogan to some people we met in Juneau before moving onto the sailboat.)

We left Juneau in September 1997, but still had the passion for sailing and it didn't stop there.

I'll always have a special fondness for Juneau as that's the place where Troy and I started our married life together. I hope to visit there again someday soon..

lco