Oh the People You Meet

While we were at the Martin Hotel, we began talking to the three people who were seated with us. Because I think I was a golden retriever in another life, I cannot just sit with people without talking to them.  So I started a conversation, asking about where they are from, where they are traveling, and what their next stop is.  The first thing we found out, besides that they live in Oregon, is that the 80-year-old man was born in Wichita.  Connection #1.  

They live in LaGrande, Oregon, where he was a college professor at Eastern Oregon University.  One of the women is a cattle rancher, but she had just sold her ranch, and the three of them had been in Lake Tahoe visiting a friend.  We talked to them extensively about Oregon and what we should do along with way when we come up there in August.  They had some wonderful suggestions including going through Hell's Canyon, an interesting museum in Baker, and a beautiful lake.

At one point, one of the women, Shawna, mentioned that she grazed her livestock on federal lands.  So I said to her, "Now we have come full circle.  Did you have to have a special permit to graze your cattle?"

"Why yes, for eighty years we have had one."

So I explained that we were at the National Forest Homeowners Convention because there are cabins that also have special permits.  The man said, "Yes, we know.  We own one . . . Well really, we own two."  

So I said, "Do you belong to the National Forest Homeowners?"

"Well, yes I do," he replied.  "I knew the convention was going on, but we were visiting friends."

Don and I could not believe it.  What are the odds?  We talked about the various issues they have had with their cabins, the issues discussed at the NFH convention, and the beauty of the cabin program.  Apparently he had attended the Boise forum several years ago and was very up-to-speed on the bill in front of Congress.  By the time we left (to the relief of the other diners, I am sure), it was as if we had known each other for years. 

We look forward to staying in touch with our friends and hope to see them when we return in August.