GREETINGS FROM FLORIDA

[BuzzardsBurro]

Hello All-

Spoke to Merle Lilly this afternoon. He is doing okay but did not make it out West this year. He is having some hip problems and needs to have his left hip replaced. He is hoping this will happen after the 1st of the year and for now is walking with a cane. Merle said other than the pain in his hip he feels pretty good most days. He did do some camping in Georgia this past weekend and said he enjoyed it.

I did give him the 2007 dates for Bullards Beach but he told me he will have to wait and see how his hip is by then. He would really like to travel West again but he will just need to see how it goes. He did mention a Scamp Camp in Feb somewhere back East and told me to invite everyone back to see him. Merle promised to keep in touch and keep me updated on his hip.


He wanted me to send a big HELLO to everyone and wishes them well. So this is from Merle Lilly in Sarasota, Florida to all of you.

[Donna D.]

I'm glad you keep in touch with Merle, Ellen. He's a nice, nice man.

For those that don't know who he is, Merle is a gentleman who owns a Scamp 5th wheel and modified it for dual axles...he did the work himself. He came to the Oregon Gathering two years ago That in itself may not be all that unusual (coming to the Gathering), but he drove from Sarasota, Florida at age 79! But, you'd never guess his age to look at him

[Chris L.]

The Scamp Camp mentioned is February 6th through the 9th, 2007 at the Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring, Florida. Merle and Beverly have always been a fixture there (previous Scampcamps) and are a pleasure to visit with. So....if you are in the need of a campout come on down to Florida in February!

[Bill MacDermod]

I guess maybe I ought to look this gentleman up being as I also live in Sarasota, I believe Nancy told me about him when I signed up for the "06" Oregon Gathering and how he made it up there in "05"

[Nancy in Oregon]

he drove from Sarasota, Florida at age 79!

Actually, Donna, I think (if I remember right... which is a big IF) Merle was 81 when he drove to the Gathering. He's a totally amazing man. Thank you, Ellen, for keeping in touch with him and for letting us know how he's doing. ~Nancy
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Merle with his plaque for traveling the farthest from the South.</div>

Nancy