Heat+Polyester=Nasty

I met an interesting visitor today under those adverse weather conditions that can bring people together. Me: stuck at an overlook mid-afternoon where temperatures reached 95 degrees in the shade…and in a polyester uniform. Stefan: a bicyclist from LA who had ridden up the coast and was trying to reach NYC by September. But the heat both kept us from accomplishing not much else besides conversation on a bench under a Douglas fir. Turns out that he grew up in Paris (where I’ll be in December) and is a “celebrity” photographer in LA and NYC (though conversation lead me to believe that he was paparazzi). Between sips of warm water, we engaged in deep talks like debating traditional film photography vs. digital or the rules of the road when one cycles. Though the afternoon was punctuated with the usual visitor questions like “why is the water so green?” and “where is the nearest bathroom,” it was our conversation and weather bitching that made the time pass so quickly. After 3 seasons of meeting visitors like this, I’m a big believer that everyone is interesting and has stories to share if we only have the time to sit down and listen.

Other highlight: at one point in the afternoon, I thought I spied two seagulls fly past the overlook. Remember, I’m in the middle of the mountains. Stefan recommended that I drink more water.