"Is everything in the car?" Cyan asks.
Steve makes one last check.
"As far as I can tell. Cooler, two blankets, bug repellent, and fly swatters are loaded and ready. Are the sandwiches in the cooler?"
"Yes. You need the map book? You said we were going to take farmer roads to avoid the traffic jams."
"Yeah, bring it. I think I know most of 'em, but having a reminder will help. We need to bypass Stadlerville. The big city folk will clog the intersections around the square."
"Why not use your phone?"
"The phone maps are useless for these backroads. Remember when we were almost up to our hubcaps in mud that one time?"
Cyan laughs. "We ready?"
"Uh huh. Saddle up!"
Steve backs the car out of the garage and drive, and they're on their way south.
"You said there's going to be a repeat in 2024," Cyan asks.
"Yep! Amazing coincidence. The path of the next one will cross right about where we're going to stop today."
"It's that park where we've played before, right? Where I got all naked for you on the trail?"
Steve chuckles, "Yeah. You sure surprised that fisherman!"
"Well, Steven, he certainly surprised
me
when he dropped his pants!"
"You chickened out. I still think you should have called his bluff."
"Now you're being nasty!"
"Hang on. This turn is tricky."
Steve maneuvers the car around the angled intersection across the state highway.
Cyan is concerned. "You think we're going to run into anybody today?"
"I have no idea. The plan is to park in that far corner on the other side of the lake. You know, over that little hill. We've been there before."
"Will they be able to see us from the main road?"
"No. We checked that out last time. Where'd you put the glasses?"
"Right here."
Cyan shows Steve where they're stashed in the dashboard pocket.
"Good. Thank you."
Cyan is surprised. "Oh! I recognize where we are! We're already here!"
"Back entrance to the park. I looked at the satellite map last night and realized we could completely avoid the main highway. See? The outhouses are up there on the left. Need a pitstop?"
"I could. Oo. Sure glad I wore something. There are people here."
Steve laughs. "Your thought of making the entire trip nude was fun, but could get you in trouble in so many ways. I appreciate it, though. I