A Lodge Called Folkestone - Leaving Key West

A Lodge Called Folkestone

The Dream, The Challenge, The People
by Bob Kranich

(Excerpt 17)

“The Lodge Called Folkestone”. You may wonder why the first half of the book is about my many adventures throughout the USA. Well, this first part explains just why my interests changed from hot rodding cars to backpacking. How the idea of a lodge came about, and just how the lodge came to be in North Carolina and next to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Deep Campground to be exact.

Orlando, Houston, and Out West

I caught the bus out of Key West. It was goodbyes to my Uncle Norman, Aunt Dolores, and the two girls they were raising, Robin and Sandy. They had graciously let me stay in their travel trailer, which was just like the one at my parent’s house, and fed me for a month. They were a wonderful family. When I arrived in Tampa, both my mom and dad were at the bus station to pick me up. They had a lot of questions, and I had a lot to tell.

I decided that I had better get with it and get a job. I sent out resumes and got an offer in Orlando from Wilbur Smith and Associates, a traffic planning consultant. My experience with the City of Tampa Traffic Planning had landed me this job. I needed a place to live there, and as the Good Lord was watching over me, my supervisor, Gary Lester, told me that his mom had a room she was wanting to rent out. This included board, and she was a great Italian cook! I felt blessed.

I started out on the drafting board with Wilbur Smith and Associates. We would do the design and presentation reports from the studies. This was their product to their customers which were usually municipalities. I worked on the drafting board there for a year and one half. There are two quotes I learned, and need to repeat.

The first one came from one of the traffic engineers, “We can never get ahead of the problem. We do the study, make the report, and the municipality raises the money. We then do the construction. But by that time, the traffic has increased so much that we have not solved anything!”

The second came from my drafting boss, Al. I asked him to check some ink work I had done on a drawing. “What do you think about this, Al?” He looked at my work carefully, and then replied, “Every man has to draw his own line” (meaning we all have to set our level of quality). I never forgot either one of these.

One day, some upper level supervisors came to me and said that they were flying me out to Houston, Texas. I would be leading up a drafting team for a presentation they were doing at that office for a Houston customer. It was out there, after work, that I met my former wife, Irene, at a dance club next to the Houston Astrodome. After my job in Houston was completed, I returned and gave Wilbur Smith and Associates a two week notice. I then took my trusty Ranchero, and returned to Houston. I’m sure that the girl had something to do with my move!

Upon returning to Houston, I got a great job, drafting at Rice University Space Science department. The reason it was so great is that when I got this crazy idea to go out west for three months hiking, the supervisor, Al, said, “That’s really fine Bob when you get back, we will rehire you, and you can tell us about your adventures!”
The first thing I did, as I was working and saving up, was to build a nice wood camper on my Ranchero. While I was working, I told the five guys in the drafting room that I was working on a grubstake, and then they started calling me, “Grubstake Bob.” Next, I bought all of the nonperishable food I would need, such as canned goods, and stowed them in the false floor that my Ranchero had in the back.

One other thing that I did was to invest in a start-up business of a fellow that I had met who was working in a backpacking equipment store. He was going to start his own backpack store in Houston called “Outdoor Equipment, Inc.” My investing in this business gave me access to purchasing discounted, new hiking equipment. I would use this later for my guide service at Folkestone Lodge.

It was a great day in May of 1972 when I headed towards Colorado for my first big hike. In the following pages, I will give a short overview of my major hikes that I took in those three months.

Durango, Colorado: I bought my ticket, and with my backpack filled for a five-day hike, I took the Durango to Silverton tourist train. This railroad is a three-foot narrow gauge, and is very historic. It has been running continuously with steam locomotives since 1881! This train trip is fantastically scenic, for it runs along the Animas River, sometimes hanging precariously on the edge of cliffs. I had them let me off along the way, at the trailhead for the Chicago Basin, which is in the San Juan Mountains. This area is rugged, high mountain country.

I hiked back into the basin, which is an old time, famous gold mining area, surrounded by high peaks, some reaching 14,000 feet. Looking around, I could see old mine openings, and a few old shacks. The next morning, I hiked up and over the McCauley Peak through the Columbine Pass. Then down to Valencia Creek where I camped. That evening it started to rain. The next morning I continued my hike, following the creek towards another high mountain pass.

Late morning, as I was hiking in the rain, I was caught up to by a party of five local hikers, two girls and three boys. The girls were carrying packs just like the guys. I was impressed. They said that they had realized that they had been following a single hiker by my footprints. They were going the same way, so I joined up with them. I was to find out later that the Good Lord had sent them my way. For what was to follow, I would need them.

From the Author:

This is a new book. It is about the Lodge I built in the Smoky Mountains, near Bryson City, and Deep Creek campground, North Carolina. Having been from Florida, I know that a lot of Floridians love to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park. Therefore hopefully you will enjoy my story of the building of “A Lodge Called Folkestone”.

Francisco Maldonado, Sr. Dies At 73

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Francisco Maldonado, Sr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend on March 4, 2026. Francisco was born on October 10, 1952 in Matamoros, Mexico to Jose and Aurora Gracias Maldonado. He married Maria Garcia and she preceded Francisco in death on July 31, 2025. Francisco worked for many years as a tractor supervisor. He and Maria were parishioners at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Clewiston. He lived a full life of dedication to his family. He was a devoted father, to his children and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren. Francisco was a lover of old pickup trucks.

Francisco leaves fond memories with his children; Aurora Jaimes and her husband Hilario, Maria Delafuente and her husband Javier, Francisco Maldonado, Jr and Jose Maldonado. He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren; Annabella Delafuente, Alejandro Delafuente, Adaliz Jaimes, and Angel Jaimes. . Francisco touched the hearts of many throughout his life. Francisco will be remembered by everyone who knew him with a smile.

Celebration of Francisco life will be held with a funeral mass on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Clewiston at 11:00 a.m. followed by taking Francisco to Ridgelawn Cemetery to be laid next to his loving wife, Maria. A visitation will be held at the church starting at 9:00 a.m. also on Monday, March 9, 2026. All who knew Francisco are welcome to the join the family to celebrate his life. Francisco's spirit will remain in the hearts of all who loved and cared deeply for him.

Francisco has been entrusted with the caring staff of Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Algae Warning For Lake Okeechobee

Moore Haven, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Glades County (DOH-Glades) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Okeechobee on March 3, 2026.

Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if
presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters
where there is a visible bloom.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or
discolored or water that smells unpleasant.

• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters
where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use
an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.

• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water
will not eliminate toxins.

• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe.
Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the

41-Year Old Arrested In Hendry Courthouse Bomb Threat

SUSPECT IN COURTHOUSE BOMB THREAT ARRESTED

LABELLE, FL. -- On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 9:40am, a bomb threat was made to the Hendry County Courthouse, which was followed by a complete evacuation of all staff and citizens.

Hendry County Court Bailiffs and Security along with all available road patrol units responded and secured the perimeter of the courthouse; inside Courtroom bailiffs did a careful and methodical search of all courtrooms. Lee County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad Bomb-Sniffing dogs were also dispatched from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office where they did a secondary search of the courthouse. Neither the deputies or bomb-sniffing dogs discovered any suspicious packages or devices.

Hendry County Criminal Investigation immediately began looking into the bomb threat. By Friday night, February 27, 2026, they had an Arrest Warrant in hand and responded to a home in Cape Coral where the suspect lived with his girlfriend.

After interviewing witnesses at the residence, 41-year-old Don Michael Anthony Foligno was under arrest. It was related to detectives that Foligno had a court date to appear before the Judge at 9:00am on February 26 and was concerned about the bond amount. The call was made to the courthouse citing “there were two bombs planted there and were to go off in one hour, this is no joke”. According to reports, this was done in an effort to postpone his court appearance.

Foligno was taken into custody and transported to the Lee County Jail. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Foligno was transported to the Hendry County Jail where he is charged with False Report of Bomb/Explosive/ Weapon of Mass Destruction and Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony. He was right…making a Bomb Threat is “No Joke”.

Foligno, according to county records has an extensive arrest record in Hendry County going back 20 years.

Impaired Driving - 30% Of Traffic Fatalities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Driving impaired remains one of the most dangerous and entirely preventable threats on Florida’s roadways. Each year, lives are lost and families are permanently impacted due to drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. One in three fatal traffic crashes in the state involves an impaired driver and accounts for more than 30% of all traffic fatalities. These incidents are preventable and result from decisions that can be avoided. That is why this March, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), and its division, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), urge all motorists to make responsible choices before getting into the driver’s seat.

Throughout March, FLHSMV and FHP will emphasize the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. While law enforcement continues to monitor Florida’s roadways, preventing impaired driving requires the commitment of every driver.

“Every day, our troopers encounter situations that could have been prevented with one responsible decision to not get behind the wheel while impaired. Whether the impairment is caused by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, the result can be life‑changing in an instant,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “We urge every driver to recognize the responsibility they carry each time they start their vehicle. Every safe choice behind the wheel protects a family, a community, and a future that cannot be replaced.”

Alcohol‑Impaired Driving

Alcohol remains the leading factor in impaired‑driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Florida. Over the last five years, alcohol alone accounted for:84.4% of impaired‑driving crashes
35.7% of impaired‑driving fatalities
80.7% of impaired‑driving injuries

DUI and open‑container violations also historically increase during the month of March.

Penalties for DUI can include substantial fines, license revocation, and potential incarceration. A DUI conviction remains on a driving record for 75 years. Florida law prohibits possession of alcohol by individuals under 21, providing alcohol to anyone under 21, and possession of open alcoholic beverage containers in vehicles.

Impairment begins with the first drink, and judgment is the first ability affected.

Drug‑Impaired Driving

Drug impairment presents significant risks and varies widely depending on the substance. Unlike alcohol, there is no established impairment limit for drugs. Marijuana is the most prevalent drug found in impaired‑driving crashes, particularly among drivers ages 10–24. Individuals ages 25–29 represent the highest number of drug‑related crashes and positive drug test results.

Between 2018 and 2023, Florida recorded:4,000+ drug‑confirmed crashes
Nearly 2,300 drug‑confirmed fatalities

Marijuana also acts as an impairment multiplier when combined with alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as alcohol impairment.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving poses significant safety risks and can result in serious or fatal crashes. Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and may cause microsleep episodes that leave drivers unable to respond to changing roadway conditions. Drowsiness can occur on its own, but it is also frequently a secondary form of impairment caused by alcohol, drugs, or certain medications—further compounding the danger. High‑risk groups include young drivers, shift workers, commercial drivers, and individuals with untreated sleep disorders. Motorists are encouraged to rest before driving, take breaks every 100 miles or two hours, and utilize Florida’s rest areas and service plazas.

FHP Enforcement and Drug Recognition Expertise

FHP Troopers and law enforcement officers statewide are trained to identify impaired drivers. Florida has 303 certified Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), including 61 within FHP and nine instructors. DREs complete extensive academic and field training in physiology, vital signs, standardized field sobriety testing, and drug categories, followed by a rigorous certification process. Their expertise is critical to keeping impaired drivers off the road and ensuring that dangerous behavior is identified quickly and accurately. By recognizing impairment in all its forms, these highly trained officers help prevent crashes, protect lives, and keep Florida’s roadways safe for everyone.

Recognizing Impairment

Impairment affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely long before obvious signs appear. The five primary indicators of impairment include:

Slowed reaction time
Limited short‑term memory functions
Decreased hand‑eye coordination
Weakened concentration
Difficulty perceiving time and distance

These effects can result from alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, over‑the‑counter substances, or fatigue. Impaired driving is a choice with consequences that extend far beyond a single moment, and every driver has the power to prevent a tragedy before it occurs. FLHSMV and FHP remind all motorists that You Only Have One Life, and protecting it begins with making safe, responsible decisions every time you drive. To learn more about the Never Drive Impaired campaign, access safety materials, and review additional resources, visit FLHSMV.gov/impaired.