Each year as I describe my annual trek to Davis and Canaan to my friends, family and coworkers they all look at me like I'm crazy. Some ask why I drive almost 2000 miles in a short period of time to a small town to see a bunch of guys. The answer to that question is a lot more complex than the inquiry would indicate.
The obvious quick answer is that it is a very relaxing experience. The whole answer consists of several details. The first one is that the trip is relaxing and interesting. I take advantage of the route to stop and see all my children and grandchildren. This is really an extra annual visit with the family which is quite enjoyable. In 2001, I spent a night with each of two old friends as well. The second detail is that the terrain, the climate and the pace of the activity is such a drastic change from the flat, hot, muggy and stressful environment I experience every day in New Orleans. It gives me a refreshing feeling very quickly.
Most people will tell you that a change of pace is good for them. This trip, however, gives me a complete recharge. When I tell people that we have temperatures in the mid-forties at night, that the air is clean and the sky is clear they really look envious.
The activities we undertake each year contribute a lot to the environmental change that I experience and makes things even more relaxing. However, the factor that makes this trip most enjoyable is the group of guys involved in this annual ritual. Some people have come for a long time, some for shorter periods, and some visit a little sporadically, but the core is always there and the attitude of have fun, relax and enjoy always exists. We have stayed in different types of accommodations, experienced all kinds of weather, and fought through aches, pains, illnesses and surgeries, but the attitude of the group is always the same--have fun, be happy. I think the guys who still live in the area and take time to visit with us add an awful lot to the camaraderie as well.
Having left Davis in 1956, it is still interesting to me to hear what is going on in the area from people who live there. Visiting with people in and around town who do not join us will always be memorable as well.
We have transitioned completely from eating all meals out during the early gatherings, which were centered around the Blackwater 100, to cooking everything ourselves. The culinary experiences have been nothing short of wonderful. When I tell people we eat ramps, Bambi and other local delicacies, the first question they ask is " What is a ramp"? Even after a detailed explanation some people don't completely understand. They do understand that these "wild onions" provide a solid base for our diet when I tell them how many we consume.
This article rambles a little, but I hope in some minor way it explains what a delightful experience this annual gathering is and in my case how much "The Therapy of Davis" contributes to my well being the rest of the year.