The Woodie Chronicles
My journey through America on the road to recovery in a 1949 Woodie Wagon
by
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At about 2:50 A.M., I was awoken by a loud pop of
thunder. Then another. Strong winds followed, which made sleeping
more difficult. A series of cracks and
pops sounding like explosions began to fill the silence of the night. The wind confused my sense of direction, and
I could not tell where the sounds were coming from.
I have often heard of violent electrical storms and
assumed we were in the middle of one.
Then, to my horror, burning embers and smoke began wafting into the
campground. A forest fire! We were camping in a forest fire!...A road
divided the flames from us so I felt, in that moment, that we at least had a
little bit of time to think of a plan.
Then, suddenly, the heat from one side of the road radiated over to our
side, creating a huge pop of spontaneous combustion. Our side of the road was now on fire...Campers that were below us
were now running for their lives in a mad dash to escape the heat. I ordered everyone into the Woodie...I
revved up the Woodie and began to drive in a circular motion, picking up speed
along the way...Then when I got to a speed of 28 miles per hour, I took one last loop and headed straight for
the lake...I drove into the water...The Woodie and trailer were now out of immediate
proximity of the hot, licking flames,
but I was still afraid of being ignited by spontaneous combustion. Erik rolled down the window, crawled out,
swam over to the tarp, and brought it closer to the vehicle. He then covered it as best as he could. The Woodie was now getting a wet layer of
protection if it started to get hot...
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About the Book
Greg Phoenix has a problem. His drinking cost him his friends. Has landed him in jail. And now the angry Judge Hooton wants to
throw the book at him.
Facing serious prison time, boot camp or a unique
community service job, Phoenix chooses community service, thinking it will be a
breeze.
But the universe has a different plan. Through a chain reaction of events, Phoenix
lands a 1949 Woodie Wagon, and spends several weeks travelling from Nederland,
Colorado to Key West, Florida
fulfilling his community service obligation, facing danger and peril at
almost every turn.
Along the way, he not only finds his sobriety,
develops an appreciation for old cars, drive in movie theaters and vintage DC-3
airplanes, but begins his spiritual journey as well.
While life is bittersweet, Phoenix learns, his
second chance in life gives him the courage and desire to go on.
About the Author
Greg Raymer was born in Denver, Colorado march
21st, 1961. As a high school student,
Mr. Raymer was introduced to old cars by his buddies, Erik Brauer and Michael
O'Brien. His affection for vintage cars
and americiana continues to this day.
An avid student of history, Mr. Raymer, along with
his wife, Bonita have undertook several projects with historical themes over
the years.
Mr. Raymer also is a recovering alcoholic. The Woodie Chronicles is his story of hope
for the still suffering alcoholic/addict, their families and loved ones.