Almost Haven

We were all getting along so well in our unspoken code of no campfires at Elephant Butte State Park. It had been at least three days since one had been started. No one in the campground at the moment seemed interested in starting one. I was beginning to forget about being on alert for the stench of wood smoke. I felt free, our wood smoke trials fading….

And then a firestarter interloper arrived. Pat delivered the news when he returned from an evening walk. I hadn’t smelled the wood smoke - the wind was in our favor for the moment.

“Just think of those poor campers near the new arrival who aren’t so lucky,” Pat said.

Yes, it does take just one pooper to ruin a party.

The next morning yet another fire was started as I was finishing my yoga outside. The smoke invaded my space and lungs. As all too usual, the firestarter walked away after starting his fire and left it to smoke and smolder. The whole campground was inundated. I was doubly annoyed after so many glorious days of fresh, untainted air.

Oh well, not the haven we longed for, but it had been a welcome respite. We left the next day.