I would imagine that many old-timers here have noticed the absence of Australia's Gavin Crawford. I recently got an email from Gavin and would like to share his news, unfortunately not all good. Gavin suffered a couple of strokes during their autumn trip to Europe and ended up spending 2 weeks in the hospital in Nice. He's now recovered to the point where he can work about 5 hours a day, but handwriting is still difficult and walking a little unsteady. The good news is that Gavin just celebrated his 60th, and with the help of Ches and their sons Kent and Drew they fixed an Italian dinner for 32 lucky folks. Gavin said it was okay to let people here know what happened, and I'm sure that everyone joins me in wishing Gavin a full recovery and many more wonderful trips to his beloved Italy and France. And a belated Happy Birthday, Gavin.

Hi Ann,

One of the highlights of our time in Italy in September was a lunch GTG with Gavin & Ches. I know he was looking forward to his time in France & taking in some World Cup Rugby games. Gavin emailed me a while ago with news of his recent health problems. I never thought to ask about letting others know. Thanks Ann.

Belated Happy Birthday Gavin! - from a slightly older Canadian.

Below is a photo of Gavin (left) and I at our GTG.

Ann, thank you so much for posting this! I was wondering where Gavin was, but he sometimes disappears from the board for a few months at a time when he is busy. I am so sorry to hear this, but am glad he is improving.

Steve and I had a lovely lunch with Gavin and Ches in Bath a couple of years ago - I have the Koala Bear he gave me attached to my desk light!

Thank you Ann, for letting us know. I had been following along with Gavin's blog and then, no more entries. He may have alluded to something about his health, if I remember correctly. However, I had no idea it was so serious. His photos are gorgeous.

Gavin, please continue to feel better and I'm sure you'll be traveling again!! Speedy recovery to you Matey (or something Australian like that) and Happy Belated 60th!!

Healing hugs,

Pokey

Ann,
Thanks for letting us know how Gavin's doing. Like others, I've missed him from the board. I didn't follow his blog, but always enjoyed his photos.

Best wishes to Gavin for a full recovery - and a belated Happy Birthday!

Colleen

Well, we have an update on Gavin, with good news.

I've exchanged some emails with him asking about his latest, and he continues to make progress, working at rebuilding his strength, working at his business together with his wife Cheryl who helps part-time, being generally active and promissing to be back on the ST board soon. We're missing his photos and trip reports!

Doru, thanks for the update - I'm sure that all of us are delighted that the news is so good. I hope that anyone who keeps in touch with Gavin will continue to keep us up-to-date.

We are off to France next year and I have been looking at his trip reports for information on the restaurants he likes.
My mouth waters at his description of the food he and his wife eat and I can't wait to try some of the places.
I look forward to more descriptions and recipes in the future as Gavin continues to improve.

Doru,

Thank you for the update on Gavin! I look forward to his future posts! Keep on getting stronger Gavin, and Cheryl, take good care of yourself too!

Mindy

Doru, thanks for the update. Good to hear he's on the mend.

I, too, have missed him. Thanks for letting us know whats going on. Adding him to my middle-of-the-night-and-can't-sleep prayer list.

Ginger

Gavin has a very special spot in my Slow Travel history: he was one of the first to greet me on the same day I joined and his "Foodie's trip report Italy 2000 and 2002" was the first trip report I printed off this web site. I still have it, with all my Italy stuff .

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Doru,

I too had noticed that Gavin had not posted recently and was missing hearing from him. Sorry to hear about the health problems and so glad to hear the news that he is on the mend. I have always appreciated those thorough reports on public transport!
Joana

Thanks everyone; for the health and birthday wishes.

I guess I am now at the stage of just having to have patience. I still get extremely frustrated with my poor balance, and not being able to walk the walls of Lucca with ease. I'd probably need to stop for a gelato every couple of hundred yards. That would be hard to take.

Perhaps its time to quietly slip back to posting. While Ches is still a little anxious about traveling, I suspect we won't have much choice come October. As we missed the Frankfurt Book fair last year, we will have to make it this year. I suspect she's as much concerned with a repeat of the "foreign" hospital experience as with me. While she speaks a little French and for the most part didn't have any problems with communications, it was very lonely for her. Apart from four hours or so a day at the hospital, she was on her own.

As I have been researching my family history and just recently discovered my 3rd cousins in Edinburgh and New York (my great grandfathers brothers grandchildren), perhaps we will plan four weeks before or after Frankfurt visiting them. Actually, John and his wife are visiting from Edinburgh next week, so I guess the planning might start then.

It's also about time I started posting restaurant and apartment reviews and generally being of use to new travelers. See you at the various threads.

Cheers
Gavin

Welcome back, Gavin -- I've missed you and your invaluable contributions, and I'm thankful the news on the health front is good. Any chance that your October trip will allow a bit of time in France?

Hey, Gavin! Good to catch you on line! Yes, come back and post away! You were missed.

Welcome back, Gavin! It's wonderful to hear from you.

So glad to see you on the board again. I understand your frustration, but really, all it takes is time. You will continue to improve a little bit more everyday. Looking forward to reading your reviews.

Ginger