Who Are the RROMA(D)?

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ANY OF OUR travels comprise just the two of us, a few are solo endeavors. That's normally the way we like it - it keeps the organizing and complication factors to a minimum.

Now and again, though, we have the opportunity to share a trip with some friends. For us, a running association (and theme through many of the Scribi journals) is a close group of three, sometimes four folks (besides ourselves) I've collectively referred to as the RROMA, or sometimes RROMAD group.

The name is an acronym taken from our first names: Rick, Rose, Otto, Mary, Alan, and Danny.

Otto has been our primary gateway to the others - we sang with him in the La Jolla Symphony Chorus when we lived in San Diego. We no longer sing in the group (except for an occasional special performance in which alumni are invited), but we've kept up the association, mostly through Joshua Tree outings. Or, when our schedules allow, larger trips.

It has been a rich association: all are intensely literate, convivial, and tremendous conversationalists. Beyond that general description, here are a few brief notes on each (we've already provided our bios in the About page, so you know us):

Otto: Our introduction to the others, really, and the group wine expert. We can always count on Otto to either recommend or provide an appropriate wine (or two) to compliment an end of day activity. (An incredible asset when going to France.); An inveterate hiker, as well, Otto is always in the lead: at six foot four, he has the legs to stride out.; Finally, we can always count on Otto to spark a conversation on current events. That can often lead to heated arguments, especially in the political arena, but Otto has a terrific ability to keep the tone civil.
Mary: Is Otto's significant other. Also an inveterate hiker, though not as tall, she will more often be found leading Otto. And that takes some doing.; She is the liberal to Otto's conservative - during the current event conversations she can always be counted on to offer a "balancing opinion".
Alan: Alan is our historical encyclopedia. This is true of Otto, as well, but Alan can recall historical facts and figures and reel them off almost absently. Gifted with an acid sense of humor and vocabulary to match, conversations with Alan can take some very entertaining turns.; Alan is also our Tahoe connection, maintaining a house there. When we visit, Alan will plan and lead off hikes exploring the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Danny: The sometimes member of the group - Danny lives on the east coast, the rest of us live in the west. So, it's a little harder for him to join us on our western excursions, easier for other places.; Expert sailor, Danny was our voluntary skipper on the Greece Bareboat Trip. Also well travelled, many of his trips these days are dedicated to exploring his Scottish heritage on the Scottish Isles.

Of course, that's the group as it stands as of this writing. Things change - tomorrow there may be another mix. If that happens, I'll have to crank up my acronym machine and write another entry.

Scribo, ergo sum.

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Who Are the RROMA(D)?

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