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Where Did I Leave My Pants?

By Tom CervenakPosted January 10, 2013

 

Between being Marketing Manager for Virginia State Parks, certified ACA canoe and kayak instructor for the Division, Boy Scout Leader and my personal travel, in 2012

I was on the road almost half of the year.  The basis of this ongoing series is to let you know where I have been, the interesting people I met and where you might find me on my next trip. The title of this series is from a real life experience and it goes something like this…

Tom Cervenak Marketing Manager

Tom Cervenak Marketing Manager

Episode 1:  My Pants

In August of 2008 I was traveling from one show to the next to promote Virginia State Parks.  The really great thing about what I do is that I often get to stay at our beautiful parks if by chance there is an empty cabin or another available facility. During this trip I was staying at Douthat State Park in Clifton Forge, Virginia, while working a hunting and fishing show at the Salem Civic Center. Douthat is where I started my career as a Chief Ranger in 1986 and remains one of my very favorite places to visit. The original cabins, built in the 1930’s by the CCC Boys, just have a wonderful charm to them.  The logs, with their aged chinking and the great stone fireplaces, take you back to gentler days. The park is breathtaking year round with the Allegheny Mountains looking down at the 50 acre trout stocked lake.  hile at the park I try to get in a hike on the vast trail system throughout the park, or try my luck in the lake for a fresh trout dinner. 

Douthat State Park original CCC cabin - cabin 8

Douthat State Park original CCC cabin

It was during this trip that I got a call from my family that my Dad, who was in the hospital with pneumonia, had taken a turn for the worse and I needed to come up and bring my black suit. He was at Cleveland Clinic, one of the premier medical facilities in the entire world.  However, even with the best of care and specialist, sometimes you need a little more, like a Christmas miracle in August. Dad was in an induced coma on ventilation and Mom was talking about possible funeral arrangements.  Well, a funny thing happened on the way to the funeral, Dad decided not to go. My Dad walked away from the hospital bed and went home a few weeks later. He has since fought cancer and other illness, but I’m happy to say he is doing well and still with us today. 

Here I am with Dad and Mom at Homosassa Springs State Park in Florida

Here I am with Dad and Mom at Homosassa Springs State Park in Florida

Six months later I needed my suit for a cruise and I could only find the suit jacket. I tore my closet apart and called back home to check if any of my sisters, or Mom had seen my pants. Unfortunately, no one had seen them. I even called some of the parks I had stayed at in recent travels, but no one had seen my pants. I then began to see if different companies could find a match for the jacket, but it was such a unique cut, no one could duplicate those pants. Eventually I purchased a second complete suit to use for that upcoming cruise. 

In early 2011 my sister was moving and was packing up everything into boxes. I got a call from her that she found a pair of pants that didn’t fit my brother-in-law. My pants were hanging in plain sight all this time. After almost 3 years my pants and jacket were reunited in a small, somber ceremony and the really great news; they both still fit me and accompany me on many of my trips to our beautiful parks and beyond. I may never be able to get rid of my suit now, no matter how out of style it may get, for my pants are a “survivor,” just like my Dad.

Here I am with my complete suit!

Here I am with my complete suit!

Well it is back on the road as I will be at the Washington Camping and RV Expo January 11-13, 2013 in Chantilly, VA. Stop by the booth and let me know what you thought about the famous disappearing pants and I will have a special gift for you! 

Me with the GEICO Gecko and Promotions Manager Steve Boyd at the 2011 Washington Camping and RV Expo.

With the GEICO Gecko and Promotions Manager Steve Boyd at the 2011 Washington Camping and RV Expo.

Until our paths cross at a Virginia State Park, hang onto your pants!    

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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