Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Starting somewhere here

The first, last, and only good-looking car I ever had was a college graduation present. A shiny white classic corvette. A ragtop. John gave it to me. That very day, we packed up a few things and drove to Los Padres National Forest. I didn't quit my job; not officially. Not formally. We found an open, alone place and pitched a tent. For a week, maybe two, we hiked, swam, and at night burnt some pancakes and black coffee on a Coleman stove. My dog Bru liked to sleep on the floor of the vette, in front of the driver’s seat. Whenever he shifted around, the brake lights would shine on the pines. Red, dark, red, dark. All night long. If you think life gets better than that, you’re wrong.

(To be continued)

20 comments:

Mister Earl said...

Eagerly awaiting the next chapter...

Brenda's Arizona said...

I'm with Mister Earl. Write on!

Jean Spitzer said...

More, please.

A corvette? Lucky.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear.

D.

Linda said...

Waiting here.......hurry will ya?

Susan C said...

Oh, man, you have me hanging!

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I take it John was strapped for cash after bankrolling the corvette?

TheChieftess said...

WOW!!! A Corvette for a graduation present!!! ...can't wait to hear more!!!

Bellis said...

Burnt the pancakes and coffee? I know how that goes. I don't usually see hikers and campers with Corvettes, that car must have stood out. Love the bit about the red light going on and off. More, more, more...

(Is this like an advent calendar? A new window each day?)

altadenahiker said...

Advent Calendar -- I like that idea, Bellis.

Terry B, Blue Kitchen said...

Just wow.

Margaret said...

I got my mom's old Corolla when I graduated. Because of that, I can drive a stick shift, for which I'm proud.

Bec said...

Will be waiting for the next installment!

BANJO52 said...

TERRIFIC image: "Whenever he shifted around, the brake lights would shine on the pines. Red, dark, red, dark. All night long." I do hope you go on with this.

Margaret, "UP with stick shifts!" (though I haven't had one in awhile).

And, Bellis, yeah, a Corvette in a campground? I never saw that in my camping days. Or got a Vette from a romantic interest . . .

Virginia said...

Can't wait for more. Somehow I never thought of you whizzing around in a Vette, Hiker. I"m going to have some fun picturing that! :)

Ken Mac said...

1970 Toyota Corona. Sweet

camissonia said...

Ooooh! I'm intrigued. As a former avid camper, I can't imagine what's mo betta than a week or two in the Los Padres...

Pat Tillett said...

What a great gift and adventure!

Cafe Pasadena said...

Oftentimes people wood rather have a good-looking car or pet than a mate. I still prefer the smell of burnt wood over pancakes in the mtns.

Susan Campisi said...

You've pulled me into a world where I'd like to hang out for a while. Sounds like paradise.