It happened on Good Friday, at about 3:30pm. I was in the parking lot of the local Circle-K convenience store/gas station. I was waiting for Mike, my painter, to return with the pack of cigarettes he seemed to need. Anyway, while I was waiting I spied an SUV (next to me) with a man and a little kid (obviously his son) who were buying some firewood -- apparently for their weekend camping trip in Joshua Tree National Park.
I couldn't help myself: "So are you going camping in the Park this weekend? Look at those mountains." as I pointed to the mountains in the distance , "I wish I was so lucky. I wish I was going camping in the Park this weekend."
The guy responded, "Well, you're welcome to come along if you know how to cook on a campfire!" Okay, that was actually quite funny. "Hey," I said, "I think you'll do just fine. Have a great weekend!"
And I meant it. Easter weekend. This kid and his dad have been looking forward to this weekend all year. And here they are on the cusp of one of the most memorable weekends of their lives. And here am I...a witness to it all. And guess what -- when they've done their thing and are headed back to Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, I can grab a cup of coffee, head up to the Park and sit for a few hours in quiet solitude, just contemplating this amazing place -- who's the lucky guy here??? I am definitely seeking to re-define Good Friday. -Merrill [comments welcome]
(Photo: Merrill and Martha's Airstream trailer plays an important role in an afternoon (veggie) weiner roast with friends and family: Joshua Tree National Park, February 2008)
1 comment:
Nice group of people at the the trailer.
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