[at-l] It has been one of those days...

[Findsimp@aol.com (Findsimp@aol.com)]

As I sat at the stop light waiting patiently for the thru-traffic to pass I noticed the sillioutte of a man taking his first step into the crosswalk for which I would soon pass.  He caught my attention because of his appearance.  Most, would look at his outward attire, rambunctious hair, and grin only to believe that he was somewhat short of all god given intelligence.  For me, I saw something else, a happy person...probably a hiker.

Now, I say this and someone is bound to become uptight.  How can I possibly construe the appearance of a less flutant man for a hiker.  Well, it was pretty simple actually.  First, he had that gant...you know the one...when you've hiked miles and miles and that one leg tends to hobble more than bounce with each step.  Then, he had well groomed but long hair.  The type which is easily pulled back and gives a sense of refinement, not indigence. Then comes his clothing.  Wool shirt, with a couple of layers beneath, and tan pants, the ones which are sturdy and capable of withstanding some bushwacking.  But most importantly, what tipped me off that this was in all probability a hiker was that grin.  The grin that stretches from ear to ear, irregardless of the time or place.  The grin that is contagious and permanent.  The grin of sincerity, of happiness, of disregard of what others may think he is up to or who he is as a person.  A grin of contentment.  A grin of one who is at peac!
e and happy with himself.

You know, this gentleman could have very well been one of the many less fortunate persons who rambles along the city streets at all hours of the day or night.  I, most likely, will never know.  At the same time, he could be an individual who makes millions of dollars each year and dresses in less desireable attire to traverse the streets and study how he is treated by others.  Who knows, maybe he really is a hiker.  But, at that moment, he reminded me of a hiker, and no matter his situation in this world, I was happy to see that grin and to be reminded of the endless number of hikers I have spoken with over the past three years.

Happy Trails!
Simply