Memoir-Headlights

          After driving from before sunrise to around sunset, talking, laughing, eating, and listening to music the whole day, we found a spot a little ways north of Fort Bragg. Our spot appeared to just be a little turnout off the California coastal highway but if you actually use the turnout, a little dirt road is revealed that leads down to a big open parking lot which led right to the beach. We parked the car at the corner of the lot and got out to explore the beach. From the car, we had an incredible view looking straight across the black sparkly sand all the way to the water with little slices of the day’s remaining sunlight reflecting off of each Ripple and constantly moving with the waves. Framing this beach view, stood towering Cliffs where the highway was located. As it became dark we set the minivan up for the night. The front seat would be folded down and the headrest would be removed so it would meet with the seat behind. I slept on the driver's side with my feet hanging off of the front seat right under the steering wheel. After lying down talking and reminiscing for a few hours the moon was out and high and we had decided on what we would aim to do tomorrow when all of a sudden a set of headlights caught our attention. We'd seen headlights all night as they were visible through some brush while going around a curve on the highway but these only went around the curve halfway before changing direction. Thoughts rushed through my mind as the headlights crept slowly down the dirt road from the turnout and entered the parking lot that had been empty all night. I considered the possibility that the pickup was a Ranger or Sheriff but it didn't look like one in the dark and I couldn't tell through the beach fog. I was pretty sure it was legal to park here overnight since we didn't see any signs saying otherwise obviously. As the truck parked in the corner we were facing for the night, and the figure inside remained motionless for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, he stepped out, his headlamp casting strange shadows as he moved around the perimeter of the parking lot. It was an odd sight, and we exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to make of it. As the minutes ticked by, the figure continued to move about, his actions becoming increasingly erratic. He seemed to be searching for something, his headlamp darting back and forth as if he were on the hunt. The tension in the air was palpable as we watched, unsure of what to do.

Then, just as suddenly as he had appeared, the figure climbed back into his truck and drove away, leaving us alone once more. A collective sigh of relief escaped our lips as we watched the taillights disappear into the night.

As we settled back into our makeshift bed, the encounter lingered in the back of my mind, a reminder of the unpredictability of life on the road. But as the gentle sound of the waves lulled me to sleep, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that we were safe and ready to face whatever adventures lay ahead.