October 21

We are so fortunate to live near Torrey Pines State Reserve. This past Saturday, I walked most of its trials - many overlooking the ocean- with my friend who said we covered seven miles. It sure felt like it, especially since she is probably one of the fastest walkers I know. The reserve is above Torrey Pines State Beach, a popular surfing spot. We decided to get there early as hot weather was predicted. I arrived just before our agreed upon meeting time of 8 a.m. Free parking along the coast highway is at a premium, so when I saw a surfer walking with his board under his arm, I crept along in my car behind him. I don't know if he was simply stretching out his surfing time - maybe he had to work or do chores at home and wasn't anxious to leave or maybe he was enjoying torturing me - but he sure was slow. First, he opened the back of his car and got out an old towel which he used to wipe every last water drop from his board. He laid a surf board cover on the ground and carefully inserted his board into it and zipped it closed. When the surfboard was stowed in the car like its was made out of spun glass, he wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped out of his wetsuit. He pulled on his shorts - one precise leg at a time. He rubbed his legs with his towel. He put on a shirt. Brushed his hair. At least ten minutes had passed by now. Bicyclists in colorful spandex whizzed by in large numbers. Clutches of walkers and runners with IPODS had swerved around my waiting car. Finally, he opened the driver's door, got in, turned on the engine, the backup lights came on and....he signaled for my friend to walk behind him- she had come to look for me. She signaled that no, he should go ahead. With nothing else to hold him back, he reversed out of the spot and drove onto the highway - the parking space was free at last!