Hi everyone. I know that some people have been wondering about the conspicuous absence of Bob the Nav on this board in recent weeks, and I wanted to give you all a brief update on his present situation.

First off, Bob is alive and kicking, taking it easy and watching a lot of football (as usual) and driving the Amazing Susan nuts (as usual). But he has been slowed by the effects of a stroke he suffered back in September, along with the ongoing symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Either one of those things can be tough to take, but they can be especially challenging in tandem.

Bob's getting the very best of care, and he's shown some decent progress with his therapy. These things take time, but he does plan to contribute again to the Fodors community as soon as he is able. Bob's not the sort to stay quiet for long.

Please forgive me and ms_go for not saying anything sooner, but Bob's a guy who values his privacy and we didn't want to say anything till things had stabilized into a regular routine. Which they now have.

If you want to say hi or offer a word of encouragement, I feel confident that he'll see and read this thread.

Thanks for the update.

I miss Bob's always-excellent suggestions.

Hope to see you back on Fodors soon, Bob.

Stu Dudley

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope he recovers quickly. He is truly a travel inspiration to many of us. I know I learned so much over the years from him. I hope he has many more years on this forum to share his knowledge and travel sense. Give him my best. Isabel

I wish him all the best. I've always read and benefited from his great travel posts. I hope he makes it back to Fodors soon!

Bob; Get well soon and I will be waiting for your comments on Fodor's.
Richard

Hi Bob, I was just reading a report from you regarding travel in northern Italy. My regards to you as you continue your therapy. It takes time but your O.T. AND P.T. will help you so much. Hang in there.

OMG -- I'm sure this is not the journey that Bob had hoped to make his next! I wish him and his family the best as they navigate these times -- and I trust he will do very well, as he is an excellent navigator!

I made a decision to make Fodor's "my" travel board back in 2006, when I was planning a trip to southern Italy. I made that decision in part because of what I had already read of Bob's advice. So when I posted my first Fodor's planning thread, I was delighted to find that he was the first to respond. Of course, he noted that my traveling style is very different than his (he's right about that! ;-) ), but he didn't challenge it -- he just offered some very helpful comments. It was a very kind, gentle, and informative introduction to Fodor's, and one for which I remain very grateful.

I look forward to benefitting from his wonderful insights in the future.

And thanks, mr_go, for sharing this information, and for the discretion that you and ms_go showed in delaying this message until the time was right.

Best wishes, BobtheNavigator!

Hope you are better very soon, Bob. We need you here!

Greetings Bob,

As Fodorites we have enjoyed so many of your excellent posts. Your tips have helped plan so many trips.

Now it's our turn to help you plan your trip to recovery and more adventures.

Carry on, we wish you the best and expect to hear from you soon.

Best wishes for a complete recovery, Bob.

And thanks for posting this update, mr_go.

Oh my goodness. Wishing all the best to Bob and the Amazing Susan!

Bob, I'm looking forward to seeing new posts from you after this detour. You are missed!

So sorry to read this. Only good thoughts going his way.

Bob, best wishes for your continued improvement. I know we all hope to see you back on the boards soon! You are surely missed!

I am so sorry to hear about Bob's "derailment". I have read many of his posts and found them very balanced and helpful. I look forward to reading his posts again...

In the meantime, I pray he continues to make progress and continues to
drive The Amazing Susan crazy .... a definite sign of getting better!

All the best,
Travelnaia

Bob, sending good thoughts your way. Work hard on your PT and we look forward to your return here. Also thinking of Susan. You have helped so many and are appreciated by your fellow posters here at Fodors Forums.

I think it was 1998 when I "met" Bob the N on Fodors. In my very first Fodors post I asked a question about finding gelato in Italy. Bob responded with awesome information, and he's been my "go to" person for the very best suggestions whenever we've gone to Italy. We've happily stayed in several places he recommended.

Hope you're soon back to Fodor's, Bob, sharing your wealth of travel knowledge. Wishing you the speediest recovery.

Thank you, mr_go for posting.

Bob, I am so sorry to hear of your health issues and hope you have a speedy recovery. We need your wisdom here!

Oh no,

Bob, best wishes.

Hugs to all including Mrs Bob and Mr Go

Bob,

I hope you a very speedy recovery, you are one of the good guys on this board.