My builder, Derek told me he'd be spending the month of July with his brother in Lake of the Pines, only a 45 minute drive from Roseville. "If there's anything you need, just call". "What are the odds to have this ace in my back pocket for a month?" I thought. He further suggested that if it worked out, we could meet up and camp out one night at the Bear River Campground only about 25 minutes from his brother's house. Imagine my raised eyebrows (but secretly thinking this would surely increase my confidence). He went on to say he'd just pitch a tent at my site. Whew. I came to understand that this young man was always up for an adventure; someone who embraces the now and goes with the flow. In my humble opinion he could have easily been at Haight-Ashbury during the Summer of Love, had he been born in a previous decade.

Just in case our meetup wasn't meant to be, I invited my dear friend, Traecy (yes; that's the correct spelling) to join me. Her son was in Jiu Jitsu camp for the week, so I knew she'd be available (muahhh). Another adventure-seeker at heart, she was the perfect, easy-going companion and confidant. 

As it happened, Derek made it—not for the night, but for a few hours. Still, it helped make our little outing even more special.