One never knows what a day may bring...
I had risen early after a turbulent night's sleep. All was well until about three a.m. when I woke to pee and my mind began to race. I had recently sold all of my crypto in expectation of a downturn but, as often happens, everything went the other way. I was trying to catch a better entry price to later fluff up my profits yet here I was now with nothing in the market and the prices steadily rising. I've told myself never to do this kind of shit. I'm not a day trader. I'm emotional, I don't see far ahead, I see only the moment and, at best, later today. I was pissed at myself. Hadn't I learned this lesson before? How many times can one repeat the same mistake? Yet, I had done it again. I was now praying for a much bigger downturn and cursing myself for my shortsightedness. I was at a loss as to what to do with the day. I needed something that would take my mind off things. To let time pass. To chill the fuck out.
I got out of bed and showered. I knew I had half of a ten milligram pineapple weed gummy in my cabinet. I figured I'd gobble that thing and head down to a sunny spot I knew on a cold creek nearby. I figured noone would be there at this time of day yet and that I could maybe put my soul to ease for a little while. Plunging into cold water is a solution to almost every problem for me. It can fix hangovers, heartache, malaise, madness, cynicism, you name it, it's fixed it for me. Water is the fountain of youth. All those greedy sailors searching the world for that fountain over the centuries and, little did they know, it was right beneath their ships the whole time. Cold water, or water in general, and sun is a recipe for happiness in my book.
I filled a mason jar with spring water I had collected earlier in the week. I squeezed some lemon into it and tightened the cap. I threw on some cut off jean shorts and a tank top, put on my shoes, ate the gummy, grabbed my keys and headed out the door. I wandered out to the car and started it up. The drive to the creek trailhead was only ten minutes from my house. The road to it winds up a southern California canyon. I love the smell of the chaparral in the morning, the scents of white sage, mugwort and mule fat. I rolled down my windows to feel the already warm summer air. I was quickly forgetting about the idiocy of financial markets with all of their speculation and rumors let alone my recent moves in them.
I pulled my car into the small, dirt parking lot at the trail head. I left my windows open. I didn't have anything to steal. It's better to let the thieves have easy access when there is nothing to lose rather than coming back to a smashed window. I grabbed my small day pack that only contained my mason jar in it. I don't like carrying things when I hike. I didn't need a swim suit back in the hills, I prefer dipping into the waters with nothing on. It always feels better. I'm a nudist at heart. I closed my car door and walked up the small trail into the laurel sumac, elderberries, walnut trees and oaks.
The walk to the pool I am fond of takes about twenty minutes. The trail meanders mainly along the creek but occasionally rises into some sandstone cliffs and live oak patches. That much distance usually weeds out the faint of heart so crowds are extremely rare back there. I could feel the gummy beginning to take effect. The plants, the sun, the shimmering creek waters all were becoming just a little more beautiful with the cosmic glint the THC likes to add. My mind was slowly easing out of the fictitious world of business and constantly fluctuating numbers. My breath was coming easier and a smile began to crease sweetly on my face.
I rounded the final bend in the trail that signified I was almost to my refuge. I was walking slowly watching the edge of the trail for snakes. I had seen large rattlers up here before and didn't want to stumble upon one. I actually love the snakes but don't like their startling surprises. I'm grateful that they rattle, kind indeed. It was at that point that I picked up the faint scent of smoke. It didn't smell like a campfire, or a forest fire, it was definitely tobacco. I slowed my steps even further so that I could assess who was nearby. I peered around a large sycamore tree towards the stone I usually placed my belongings on. As the scene came into view I spotted a woman on my rock. At first glance I thought it might be a man but as my vision cleared it was definitely a woman. She was well built, strong, somewhat masculine. She had a flannel shirt on that was loosely buttoned. Her hair was long and dirty blonde. It was very straight and looked parted in the middle. Her feet were dangled in the water. In one hand she had a cigarette which she occasionally took long drags on. Her other hand was planted in between her legs in what looked like a very furry bush. I was definitely intrigued.
The woman hadn't seemed to notice me yet. I didn't intend to hide and just perv out on her. It's just not my style but I did want to "assess" the situation properly and figure out the best way to proceed. I could just find another pool but I was intrigued by this woman and felt like continuing on my planned route was the best way forward or, at least, the most exciting way forward. I took a deep breath and then continued at my original pace as if I had never stopped and noticed her.
I came out from behind the sycamore tree and at once she saw me. She quickly removed her hand from between her legs and turned her face to me.
"Who are you?" She shouted.
"My name is Shaglus?" I said. "And you? What's your name? I'm sorry to have surprised you. I thought no one would be up here at this time of day. I was just coming for a dip in my favorite pool."
"Are you alone? You're not going to do anything to me are you?" She gasped.
"No. Of course not." I replied. "I'm a peaceful man. I'm a lover not a fighter. I'm just used to coming to this little pool, it's my favorite. I was stressed out and this place always brings me peace. What's your name?"
She took another long drag of her cigarette and began to exhale as she said,
"I'm Maggie. This is my first time here. I just stumbled upon it. I was stressed too. I came here for some peaceful alone time. I guess you had other plans for that." Her face squeezed together somewhat menacingly as she said it.
Though she was being rude I was struck by her strange sexiness. She had a beautiful mouth which was enhanced when she exhaled smoke from it, especially when talking. She had full lips and amazingly white teeth that had a slight gap between the front two. She had high cheek bones and a straight, narrow nose. She was slightly masculine, with strong shoulders and a deep, provocative voice. With her loose flannel shirt on and her staunch, wary demeanor, I thought to myself that she might be a lesbian. She was terse but sensual. She had a tension that needed to be loosened, yet was appealing. She had crossed her long legs and flannel covered arms. Her cigarette was now small. She took one more drag, turned her head to the side, and blew out the smoke with annoyance seeping from her.
"I actually thought I'd be alone here Maggie. No one owns this place. It's just here. I had planned to spend an hour our or so decompressing and then get on with my day in hopes of relieving this ludicrous stress I've been feeling that really only exists in my mind. We can chat if you like or I can just leave. It's up to you. There are a few nice pools up further."
She tossed her fading smoke into the creek. I realized then that it was filterless.
"Don't worry!" She said. "I roll my own. They're harmless. There's no wretched filter for some poor frog to swallow."
She laughed slightly as she said it. Again I was taken by her beautiful smile. Her top lip had a light layer of mostly blond hairs upon it, very subtle.
"Your business is your business." I replied. "I enjoy a little tobacco here and there myself."
"Not me." She spoke in a self conscious tone. "I smoke quite a few. It's just something I do. I'm glad it didn't bother you. Some people freak out these days especially up here in the dry hills. I'm careful, at least about putting them out."
