By T

On July 4, 1985, my wife, Teddy, and I were completing our 3rd day of 100 degree hiking on the Rogue River trail. We were dirty, tired, and hungry, yet exhilarated by the experience. We decided to get a real meal at Paradise Lodge since it was July 4.

During cocktail hour, we struck up a conversation with a nice lady who offered us a shower in her cabin. We immediately accepted, especially after we found out that we all lived in Washington, D.C. As she went to get towels for us, she apologized for not getting our names. We told her we were Bert and Teddy Berney and she said she was Antoinette Hatfield and this was her husband, Senator Hatfield.

We took a shower in their cabin, then had a delightful evening sitting with them at dinner and exchanging stories. The next day, we all went out on a jet boat together and as the Senator, Gerry Frank, and I were loading the boat with provisions, Antoinette and Teddy were exchanging addresses and hoping we could get together in D.C.