The Journey Back

by Priscilla Cummings

  I appreciate the education in garbage truck operations from Mike Doherty of Waste Management in Columbia, Maryland. And I thank a big rig truck driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, for teaching me how to throw the splitter and drive an eighteen-wheeler. (No one has to worry— I won’t be going for my Class B license anytime soon.)

  For the information they provided, I thank the U.S. National Park Service, the Maryland Highway Administration, the Maryland State Police, the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office, and John McNeece of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in College Park.

  To all of the devoted, hardworking people at Days End Farm, a horse rescue facility in Woodbine, Maryland, a big thank you—especially Sue Miller, Pam Wheeler, and Brittney Carow. They are bighearted miracle workers.

  Family friend and outdoorsman Bill Lane has my appreciation for his detailed lesson in field dressing a deer. And once again, I thank former Maryland State Senator John Bambacus and his wife, Karen, residents of western Maryland, for their hospitality—and their thoughts.

  I wish to acknowledge the information I gleaned from the U.S. Army Survival Handbook, revised and updated by Sergeant First Class Matt Larsen; and the charming, readable guide The C&O Canal Companion, by Mike High. Hiking or biking on any part of the beautiful, restored canal towpath from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, is a step back in time and an enchanting experience.

  Finally, to all the readers of Red Kayak who raised their hands, e-mailed, and wrote wanting to know what happened to the boys, I thank you, too, because without your interest and inspiration, I would not have gone back to Digger.