Chapter 2

With the mercury climbing the thermometer well above the 100 degree mark, the allure of the cool mountain air never sounded quite as refreshing.  With the top removed from the Jeep a balmy morning would soon become borderline unbearable as I headed up the hill, the breeze slapping my face.  Rounding the bend, just beyond the rafting paradise of Banks he stood there waiting.  I'd never pick up a hitch hiker, but, with numerous trips up SH-55 under my belt, this time the thought of company was welcomed.

The absence of traffic in the early mid-morning allowed for a quick turn around.  "My name's Scot", and with his short introduction, he tossed his knapsack in the back and we were on the road.  I soon came to find that he was roughly my fathers age.  With his wife at home and his children grown, with families of their own, he had decided to do something he'd always wanted and travel the Northwest, searching for the best hot springs.

The conversation proved very enjoyable.  I learned of his adventures, the places he'd been, his background, the people he'd met and most importantly, I learned that if you are seeking knowledge, life experience and true adventure, you will not only find it everyday, but, you will find yourself unintentionally aligned with people of similar mindset.

Prior to this chance encounter I'd become so engrossed in my task that I begin to lose sight of the true purpose of what I set out to accomplish.  My two week hiatus from writing has proven to bring this collection of life lessons, reflections and malted-hopped ramblings back to center.  My attempt at writing what I'd learned became the focal point over extracting daily morsels of knowledge through my life experience.  

Life is an adventure.

Cheers