By Jim Dickens July 18 2024
On the return from a great trip to Hilton Head, I found myself suffering because I was lazy and unprepared. It’s something to guard against. It was my own doing.
With over 20 friends from way back at college, we played our 41st annual tournament, the Red Stackloaf in Hilton Head. Lots of hijinks, new and old stories and many belly laughs were had. On Sunday, departure day, I went chasing red fish with my good buddy Pete and then headed to the airport. We got to the Savannah airport at 3:30 with 90 minutes to spare and the plane on time. It was a short, direct flight home.
Just before boarding, the steady drip of flight delays started. Pete found another way home and I sat inactive hoping the most recent delay would be the last. At 10 pm, they cancelled the flight and rebooked us for 8 am the following morning. I had just been sitting there receiving notifications on my phone and doing nothing about it. Upon cancellation, I finally to took some action and booked a hotel nearby, and took a cab to the hotel.
I should note at this time, that I was in a t shirt, shorts and flip flops with a wallet an a phone. Nothing else what so ever. My phone battery was down to 20% and I turned it off. At the hotel, I begged some toiletries and attempted to check in. They had no reservation, I was at the wrong hotel which of course was full. The receptionist started giving me directions telling me it was just a short drive over. Then I told her I was on foot.
Taking the described pedestrian short cut of about a half mile, I found myself getting a little uneasy. I was walking through some woods next to a swamp in the pitch black holding toiletries. I was tripping in my flip flops and brushing up against whatever in my shorts. When I exited the woods into the correct hotel street light, I was greeted by signs that said, “stay away from the water, alligators”. Aaaahhh! Shaken but uninjured I successfully checked in.
Lying in yesterday’s clothes, I awoke to try again. The 8 Am flight was delayed two hours so it gave me time for a little introspection. I am an Eagle Scout of the BSA whose motto is “Be Prepared”. I am a seasoned traveler. I am 63 and with age comes wisdom. How did I get here? Pure ennui and laziness that’s how.
What about next time? I like traveling light and simply so I’m not sure, but I have upcoming trips to figure it out and test it.
PS The phone ended at 2% after being a boarding pass, limited texter and Uber summoner. There was no battery for pictures of my debacle.
R1T Tour 