It was a pleasant surprise to find that I had friendly neighbors in my camping neighborhood. Every year it seems easier to be interested in people's activities and interests, with the exception of couch-potatoing, motor-crazed yahooing, or music. But you know what they say about things that seem too good to be true...
My luck had to run out on Christmas Day! I saw a camper with a rig similar to mine with one difference. So I was curious about how it was working out for him.
I never approach a camper's door. I stand 30 feet away and ask my question. If nobody comes out, it is a hint that I should move on. And so I did. But on the way out copper wire snagged up in my front bike wheel.
As I paused to untangle the wire a fellow came out who perfectly fit the negative stereotype of 'boondockers', especially ones in low-cost rigs.
But I counted my blessings. He wasn't loud or threatening. He merely called me a dumbass and told me to stay on the road. Better yet, he was not armed.
I continued to untangle the wire and tried to make an innocuous explanation or two. There was no response from him. Since he wasn't armed, I decided not to grovel in front of him with apologies. I jumped on my bike and left before he went into some sort of rant about his pet conspiracy theory.
Bicycling down the road I had an extra appreciation for the friendly neighbors in my area. In initiating contact with me, they took the chance that I was one of these loner, loser, low-lifes in a cargo trailer who should be avoided.
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| This guy is glamorous and chic compared to the camper I met today. |
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