Lost, or wandering
While out with the dog, early, my mind was made up. A lovely little river, a vineyard next door, no other RV parked alongside… worth our putting down roots for a second night.
The town, just over the way, had a cafe with a good reputation according to social media, so we drove up onto the main drag (named Main Street). While making those tiny adjustments required for legal parallel parking, a woman stopped by to inquire about the comfort level of our rig. After rolling down the window, she was invited to see inside, and she confirmed our table choice. A brief, friendly welcome to obvious out-of-towners.
We bid her a good afternoon, arranged cross-ventilation for the dog and walked down the street. Lunch was excellent, including a tomato bisque and a large Reuben sandwich. The owner stopped by to chat, and we had the yearbook committee from the local high school just across the room. Friendly folks.
Getting back to the van, there was one jarring absence. The dog had decided that a wide open window was Fate at play, and he set off to see the town, alone.
We spent the next three hours in full search mode, involving the original nice lady, her friends and family, local shopkeepers, passers-by, the town vet, the regional dog pound, a cat rescue lady, the forces of Reddit, our own vet; have I forgotten anyone? Oh yes, the dog.
He simply returned, without fanfare. One moment, I was standing on the sidewalk with a week’s supply of bottled water. The next, I had my purchases under one arm, and the other firmly attached to the dog’s collar. The leash was elsewhere, of course.
We called off the impromptu search and rescue forces, packed up our spirits and got out of town.
The Walmart, about twenty minutes west, added a new hard drive and some needed DEF to my inventory, and we found good ice cream at the local Tim Hortons, on their lakefront. A short tour through the nearby state park and the day ended on a quiet note.
