I am in North Bend, Washington. There is a little log building tavern called the Mt Si Tavern about a half mile down the frontage road from the truck stop here, and I have been visiting it for a number of years now.
Over time I have come to know some of the regulars there, as well as the employees. It is one of my favorite taverns in the U.S.
I was really happy to see an old fellow called "Smoky", who has been fighting lung cancer for the past couple of years, shooting pool when I walked down there from the truck stop. We chatted for a bit. It did my heart good to see this good hearted fellow still around and enjoying himself. He is one of the good people and I feel honored to know him. I know him as well as his two daughters and will sorely miss him when he is gone.
Honestly, when I walked down there from the truck stop I expected to hear that he had already passed away. The fact that not only was he still here but also looked quite healthy was a real pleasant surprise.
I was readily welcomed by several of the locals when I got there. It is always fun to have people know you when you are thousands of miles from home. It feels like you are home again even though you are on the opposite side of the continent.
I spent some time drinking a few beers, smoking on the back porch, and eating some really spicy chili, before calling it a day and getting ready to head back to my truck.
It is a half mile walk from the truck stop to the bar, and visa versa. I had walked down there, using my cane to ease the normal pain of walking I feel in my bum leg. Leaving was a different story. A fellow I have known for a few years now insisted on giving me a ride back to my truck.
Being as my leg has been giving me a lot of trouble of late I welcomed the ride. A couple of other people also offered me a ride back, but I took his offer and thanked the others for their offers. People can be great at times.
There are a lot of good people in the world if you are open to knowing them.