The Upshot Is

Jefferson tends to leave messages that are extremely long. In fact, they aren't so much messages as dissertations--or rather huge free associations. Generally speaking, they start with a greeting. Then a sentence, or more likely a fragment of a sentence, which is abruptly stopped by an observation: "There's a beautiful bird outside my window." Something like that. Then a completely different subject, following by an observation, another subject, another, etc. until the machine decides that it's listened to Mr. Pitcher enough and cuts him off. Occasionally, he'll then call back, complaining about computer voice attempting to dictate his message length, and then will begin again.

The point of all this is that Jefferson left a message yesterday, the upshot of which is that (I think) he and Dave spent the day in Morro Bay, taking a much needed day off. Of course, even on the day off they had to ride 50 miles to find something to eat (what's the point of taking a day off then). So it goes with the absurd Mr. Pitcher.

Then there's the weird issue with Dave, the French Canadian who has fallen in with Pitcher on this trip--the issue being that Dave and Pitcher somehow lost each other on the road. That's the issue, but not the weirdness. The weirdness, kind reader, is that each thought the other was lost behind. Then, upon waiting, somehow they passed each other again and switched places. Good god.

Late that night, Jefferson finally arrives in the campsite. Much hooping and hollering ensues and the travelers are reunited. Ah you.

So more mileage tomorrow one hopes. Ride on, ghosts.

Posted by christian at July 16, 2003 12:35 PM

....................................