Complicated.

I don’t believe I ever told Charlie that I didn’t believe him – in those days I would believe just about anything Charlie would tell me. I think it’s best to call that part artistic license that Charlie used to enhance the story (which is frequently used at my expense). Nevertheless, I leave it to you to decide who/what to believe.

Also, for those of you who haven’t heard (officially) Karin and I are the proud parents of a baby boy. Gabriel Martin Hiner was born on Sept. 25th at 8:03. 8 lbs 5 oz and about 20 in. long. Everyone is getting along fine, but with less sleep than normal. Pictures available on request .

As for your sociological question, spreading the group out means that if one gets hit, there’s someone to do CPR!

Certainly not shot in Iowa, as you say (alas) – that picture’s from a backpacking trip to Banff National Park last summer. Mystic Lake; an insanely beautiful and peaceful little spot (mosquitoes notwithstanding) that can only be reached via an extremely grueling hike over Mystic Pass.

Wouldn’t spreading out minimize the risk of the whole group getting hit by lightning while increasing the chances of somebody getting hit? There’s an interesting sociology question here somewhere.

As for the lightning experience, you’re lucky or God is watching out for you (probably the latter). I’ve never had one quite that close, but have been in scary situations where the lightning was popping all around and you smell the ozone. When hiking with friends, we’d spread out to minimize the risk!

If you hadn’t told us that he had been hit by a semi, I would never have guessed, and I am glad that he is fine too.

Also, I had a very nice time this weekend seeing you and Matt play at Mud River and spending the rest of the weekend have even more fun. Thanks for the great times!

Thanks for going with your compellment, too – it was quite cool to see you and Carrie this weekend.