10/30/2026
We’ve had the loveliest time getting to know our wonderful guests all way from the Big Apple.
Somewhere in our conversations about sports, I mentioned my high school hero: Dale Berra, Yogi’s son and a third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. I played third base, too. While my friends had posters of late-’70s and early-’80s teen heartthrobs on their walls, I had Dale Berra. 😂
Later, as a poor art student, I’d buy the cheap seats at Pirates games—up in peanut heaven along the third-base line—and watch his every move.
Peter casually said, “Yeah, I know him.”
I thought he meant he remembered watching him play in the ’80s. But no. He KNOWS him. Knew his dad, Yogi, too. Played sports with them! Peter an amazing athlete as well.
So, long story long… lol yesterday after fishing, Peter said, “Hey, Colleen, someone wants to talk to you.”
He handed me his phone, and there was DALE BERRA.
My teenage self promptly took over.
“You were the reason I wanted to play third base!” I told him. As a lefty, I needed a pretty good arm to make that work—and my brother Gary gets credit for that part.
We chatted. I blushed. You would have thought I’d won the lottery.
When I told Steve and my family, they reminded me that I’ve photographed movie stars, musicians, major athletes, royalty, and shot at the White House and the Vatican. When you’re as old as I am, you get around. 😂
But hearing one of my childhood idols on the phone? And hearing him say I’d made HIS day?
Dale, you have no idea.
Having competed as an elite athlete myself, I know something of the dedication, training, and sacrifices it takes, alongside with God-given talent. Maybe that’s part of why this meant so much. But mostly, I think that young girl with the poster on her wall still had something she wanted to say.
I’ve said it before: I’m not always sure how people find their way to Andiamo. From New York, the UK, California, Chicago, and beyond, they arrive at our little lodge, on a little mountain, with a little river, in magical Mentone.
They bring their stories. We share ours. And sometimes, somewhere between an arrowhead hunt and an afternoon of fly fishing, a guest hands you a phone—and gives you a memory you’ll keep forever.
Thank you, Peter, for such a thoughtful surprise. And Dale, thank you for making this third basewoman feel like a kid again.
We always say, “People come as strangers and leave as friends.” Peter and his lovely wife, Maryann, have become just that, and we already can’t wait to welcome them back.
This week came with a little extra magic. 🧡