R and J in the USA

Before our Ohio Dirty Dog 5K Julie wondered if the park across the lake might be a spot to boondock for the night, rather than making the 45-minute post-race drive we had planned to a lakeside spot further down the road. 

There was a small group of three policemen, there to help with traffic and safety for the race, standing across the road chatting pre-race. Julie popped across the street.

“Hi there!” Julie greeted.

They turned to look and greeted back.

“Just a quick question. My husband and I are traveling in a camper van and wonder if it’s legal to park overnight in this lot?”

“No.” they said.

Well, that was a quick question…and a quicker answer.

There was a mildly awkward pause. Julie gave them a cheerful thank you and turned to head back across the street.

“Where are you all traveling?” Julie heard from behind her. She turned around and walked back to join the crew and had a great conversation with them. Stories were told. Laughter was had. It was a grand old time. Julie told them all about the 50 states tour. Before long they were all peppering her with questions, one in particular talking about his and his wife’s own aspirations to potentially take such a trip after retiring. The more Julie talked about the trip, the more energized he got. By the time the chat was over and it was time to start the race, he seemed revved up to make it happen for real!