thirty

FIRST ENCOUNTERS

The climbing for the most part was behind us now, including the tunnel. Just before you enter the tunnel you push a button to start flashers blinking, but unfortunately only a few notice or understand what they are for. Some think they mean go faster and blow your horn.

A young 22 year old German named Thomas past me a few miles back. He signaled me to stop to talk and eat, I just wanted to catch my breath. 

He pulled out what amounted to a small grocery store, but I just drank some water. We talked a few minutes and continued on. Later we ate Mexican food and that evening shared a camp site. 

We talked a lot that night. We talked about large American campers and trucks, politics, sports, and life in general. For a young man he was quite wise, he said I was smart for a “meat cutter” which I hope lost something in the translation. 

This was a memorable evening for us both. Like many Europeans, he came back from the shower in only a towel, then dried off and dressed in plain sight. 

We split up in the morning because he just rode too fast for me. A week later we would meet in Oregon and ride the Redwood Highway and camp in bear country. I really liked that kid and do hope to see him again someday.