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This log is current to November 12, 2006 August 4, 2006 in Red Lodge “Alte Kameraden” is German for Old Friends. This is the Alte Kameraden band in Red Lodge, Montana, originated in 1896. Photo: Recently, a horrific motorcycle crash in Wyoming was fatal to their son-in-law, Wes Bearden. It left their daughter, Heather, in a coma for weeks and her recovery will be very slow. Even though they were insured, the expenses not covered are astronomical. As Heather’s father Ken is well known in education and music communities throughout the region, the Kameraden band, which he conducts, spearheaded a fundraising drive in his absence. On September 4 they performed in a park north of Red Lodge. We have traveled in many countries, but have never seen such an outpouring of love and support in a crisis such as this. Donations poured in from individuals and businesses. The band played Buffalo Bill Wild West Show music and a variety of other tunes as other supporters sold raffle tickets and auctioned donated items. Even people with few resources found ways to contribute and participate. Most pleasantly surprising to us was the spirit of this great Montana community. We are constantly reminded that this is a It was a special treat for Don to play his trumpet as part of an effort to help his friend of nearly a half century. Don will never play with Ken’s mastery, but he felt great doing what he could to help. While this was occurring, other people were c Photo on left: We are particularly moved by the spirit and optimism displayed by Elven Boggio, grandmother of Heather, who remains in intensive care nearly a month after the a It is heartening that many other friends of the family -- including others dating back to high school in Cody, Wyoming -- made significant contributions to the fund and came to personally offer support. Jim and Pam Moore, for example, were quick to help in several ways. Jim, a former newspaperman, engineered extensive stories and free fundraising ads in The effort to help our friends in need is not over. In Hardin, Montana, on September 17, hundreds of people will gather to further demonstrate their concern and moral and financial aid. As occurred in Red Lodge, people will gather to hear Alte Kameraden and other bands and support the Boggio and Bearden families in this time of crisis. You may wonder why this website, one d Our loyal friend Ken Boggio (R) and his family,our Kameradens, are rich in the way that counts most. September 6, 2006 in southern Montana The smoke is extremely heavy in our town. The fire is only 45 percent contained, even though 1,000 firefighters and scores of helicopters and slurry bombers are working on it. This NASA photo covers approximately 2000 square miles north of Yellowstone National Park. While the forecast is for generally still air the next few days, occasional dry thunderstorm Along the top of this map (courtesy The Billings Gazette) is Interstate 90 in southern Montana. Since this map was created, the fire has advanced to within a mile of McLeod. This map represents an area 45 miles wide. South and west of the burned area are the Beartooth Mountains. The highest point in Montana, Granite Peak, at 12,800 feet is here. If the fire reaches these steep slopes, it will be very difficult to contain in heavy, dry timber. The fire is now 202,000 acres and is 50% contained.) September 8. 2006 in southern Montana (Photo: our shot of a ferry between islands in far eastern Indonesia. Read our account of those days. Don will be playing his trumpet Sunday the 17th in Hardin, Montana, at a second fundraiser (see above), and then again on the 23rd at the big Red September 19: We conclude this log as it began, with friendship. The Hardin, Montana fundraiser was a success. It seemed the entire community turned out to express their love and to help with expenses related to the motorcycle accident that took the life of Wes Bearden and left his wife Heather critically injured. The spirit of the west was at work as hundreds of people did turned out in support of this family in their time of need. We have visited many places around the world, none with more heart than the little towns in southern Montana and Northern Wyoming who once again demonstrated why this is such a wonderful place to live.
September 23, 2006 in Billings, MT As Becky enters a new decade, she is loving the Expedition’s slowdown and many new c September 24 in Red Lodge The band played three hours, adding an “oompa” flair to the festivities. This festival is yet another reason Red Lodge is a great town. The band will be playing again on Friday, September 29 at New Horizons, the assisted living home where Don’s mother lives in Livingston, MT. That evening we will play for the Townsend, MT homecoming game, and the following day we will add to that town’s Octoberfest celebration. A nurse in Nigeria, after viewing this site, sent a note offering to volunteer at the Kwai River Hospital in Thailand (see our Mind and Heart section). When we tried to forward his offer, our e-mail was not delivered, undoubtedly a result of the current military takeover in Thailand. We think deposing the Prime Minister was a good thing, but hope that wonderful country, our home for many months, is soon back to normal. We have received the latest map from our brave friends helping innocent villagers in Burma who as being attacked by their own Army. October 8, 2006 in Red Lodge Meanwhile, fall has come to Montana. The trees are turning, the ski slopes atop the mountain above our Expedition headquarters have their first skiff of snow, and several inches of snow are expected in town tonight. Rest assured that the wildfires are out. If we remain here during the winter, it will be our first winter experience since the winter of 1998. We are, however, plotting and scheming new overseas travels. Stay tuned. November 6, 2006 in Montana |
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Its current members recently demonstrated true friendship to their leader, Ken Boggio. Don has known Ken and his wife Linda since high school.
Dozens of people volunteered their time and expertise to make this a remarkable, heartwarming and successful event. 
place where p eople watch out for each other and come to their aid instinctively when someone has a problem.
onducting live and silent auctions, feeding great food those who attended, and exchanging stories about the contributions this family has made to the region.
ccident. Mrs. Boggio, an eternal optimist, is the beloved matriarch of the family.
regional newspapers. They are a great example of what people in this region do for each other without hesitation or reservation.
edicated to travel and world exploration, would go to such lengths to talk about these activities in southern Montana. It is because we have found in our search for the world’s most fascinating nooks and crannies that some of brightest gems were in our own back yard all along.
trol “Derby” fire has burned 180,000 acres of rangeland. It’s circumference is now 150 miles. 
s can produce gusting.
Each color is a different day. The circumference is more than 150 miles.
Lodge Octoberfest festival (which was postponed from the 16th due to weather).
September 22, 2006 BECKY’S BIRTHDAY
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hallenges in Montana -- and yet is looking forward to new adventures overseas.
