A couple weeks back, I stopped at the ranger station at Carson Pass to look up some species of birds that I'd never seen before. The book I grabbed off the shelf was the Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. Beautifully illustrated and well laid-out, I found the information I needed right away.
Tonight, I had dinner with John Muir Laws, the author. And not just any dinner but salmon, quinoa and ginger cake for dessert. And a selection of fantastic beers. And not just with Jack Laws but with a crowd of botanists, herbalists, biologists, friends and family.
How do I luck into these situations? I have no clue. All I know is that I was hiking along at about mile 1205, trying to figure where the trail crossed a paved road when a truck pulled up and the young folks inside asked me "Are you hungry? Do you like salmon?". Turns out this group from San Francisco State University was setting up an outdoor dinner up here in the mountains for 50 to 60 associates and they invited me to join them. I begged not to impose but they insisted. I wound up having a fantastic meal, amazing conversation and was treated like a guest of honor!
I was certain that other hikers wouldn't believe my good fortune until Gut Feeling (pictured seated) showed up to indulge and witness.
Stranger still, Jack told the story of the recent sighting of an ACTUAL wolverine here in the Sierra. First in more than a hundred years and he was one of the folks in the field trying to find it or evidence of it - which they did. Did you know that the plural form of 'wolverine' is 'wolverine'? Know what wolverine eat? Marmots!
Coincidence? Serendipity? Providence? Luck? I don't know. What I do know is that I felt incredibly grateful to Emilie, Mark and their crew for preparing and serving such a fantastic meal and to Jack, JR and the faculty and students of SFSU for making me feel so welcome.
9 comments:
So awesome that you got to have a great meal and some good company to boot!! Safe travels Brother!!
soxforsoles.org
I know Gut Feeling! Ot at least her resupply person. We talk on FB a lot.
It seems like that kind of serendipity happens most when people are wandering around in the out-of-doors. Awesome story!
PS - Serendipity is my favorite word or one of them at least.
It was so wonderful to have you join us for dinner. Didn't get a chance to talk to you with all your fans around you :) but I was in awe of the journey you are on and glad that we could make it a little more serendipitous! Best wishes for your continuing adventure. Kristin
Wolverine, it was great to have you join us for dinner. We were glad to feed you and enjoy your company. I hope your trip is going well!!!
Emilie
It was great to share a meal with you and hear some stories of the trail. I hope the trail continues to surprise and delight. It makes us whole.
Loved the story.. brought back wonderful memories from the time we spent at SFNC this summer. All the folks that work there, Emilie, Mark, JR and everyone else ensured that we had an awesome time.
Wishing you good luck with your hike up to Manning Park. May you have more such encounters.
-- Vivek
P.S.The SNFC crew has good taste when it comes to beer ;-)
Argh! I'm so jealous! Good company is rare, but great company...
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