duff (no capitalization per her consistent request over the years) came up to Bozeman last week. I picked her up at the airport with her favorite Taco Johns awaiting her in the car. We ate the (by that time) mushy tacos in an inexpensive hotel room where we found ourselves chatting face to face, over the usual multi-colored bedspread, for the first time in six years.
The next morning we began an adventure we had looked forward to for weeks. We cruised through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons stopping often enough for duff to fill 14 rolls of film and take over 700 digital shots (I took 3 rolls of color and one black and white). We saw elk, buffalo, moose, blue herons, and prairie dogs while chasing the tails of other tourists and praying that my muffler would hang on to the car over God only knew how many more pot holes on our pursuit to get as many stamps in our National Parks Passports as possible (thanks to duff for a new pass time!) and see as many awe inspiring sites as possible.
I think duff was surprised at how big the parks were as it became clear we could not fit all she wanted to do in our allotted time frame. Sadness ensued for just a few moments before a plan b or c was agreed upon (once over slightly crusty burgers served by a waiter who, we agreed, would be more attractive if he would shave the chops). Eventually a decision was made that she has to come back, several times, to see all she wants to see (my evil plan worked :).
Some successes:
-survived relatively remote camping spot with signs warning about hungry bears
-survived gigantic mosquitos that threatened to fly away with duff in tow
-built my first campfire (even though I brought greenish wood)
-utilized t-shirt in place of towel (towels are over rated) after showering at a less remote campsite (good idea duff) complete with running water
Some... ooops-s
-forgot said towels
-opened several drinks that managed to spray all over duff
-accidentally crunched duff's sunglasses inside the tent while rolling it up
-didn't get any phone numbers from the hot guys on motor bikes
When I eventually had to leave duff at the airport she was taking a bag of Taco Johns with her for the flight home and I was taking home a carload, a heartload, and a brainload of souvenirs. One of which was this:
Pieces of you that you have forgotten (or closed off) will be remembered when you spend time with those who know you as you were and as you are. Those close to you can shatter your crystalline illusions and leave you looking at the shards in awe.
1 comment:
i held out for two whole days before devouring the burritos. i probably could have made it even longer, but wasn't sure how long i had before they'd be less than kind to my stomach.
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