Dawn on Nostr: I'm going on a drive through the mountains today. The last time I went on this drive, ...

I'm going on a drive through the mountains today. The last time I went on this drive, I stopped at this little convenience store that operates out of an old log cabin. Cool little place, so I always stop when i go by. There was a guy at a table outside, who was obviously taking a break from walking the big trail. He was filthy, hairy, and staring off at the rocky slope behind the town. He looked exhausted but happy. He had his pack next to him and a milkshake melting on the table.

This story is really going nowhere. I have this thing where strangers just talk to me for no apparent reason. All. The. Time. I saw him when I went into the store, and I was hoping with all my hopers, that he would stop me & tell me something interesting on my way out. He didn't. He was still happily spacing out next to his runny milkshake.

Since then, that guy crosses my mind regularly. Mostly, because he has alone, or appeared to be anyway. What was running through his mind after what was likely weeks, or maybe months, alone among the trees and rocks? Was he continuing onward or was his countenance one of accomplishment? I'll never know but I wish I did.

I know I won't be running into any hikers today. It's too cold for that now. Even if I did, they'd probably be chatty & happy to be around people again, like most are when they emerge from the depths of nature. But... I'll be stopping at that store & looking at the table, imagining what was probably the most delicious milkshake on the planet in that moment, just melting away.