It's like a trademark of mine. Or perhaps just a really awful sense of direction. Either way, it's a fact -- I always make one wrong turn any time I drive anywhere for the first time. Sometimes more than one, but definitely at least one. And today was no exception.

I went to the Lafayette Resevoir one time with Joe. It was quite a long time ago, possibly more than a year. The long stretch of time since I've last seen it is in no way indicative of how much I like it. I loved our visit there! Joe and I trekked around the whole 3 mile trail, looking at people's dogs, holding hands from time to time, and wishing the bees away so they wouldn't sting us. We saw tall trees and pretty birds. I felt so peaceful walking by the water.

So when my friend, Misti, said she'd like to go somewhere natural and possibly woodsy for our outing together today, the resevoir was the first place that popped into my mind. We met up for lunch, but when we tried to eat on the outside patio, a bunch of bees came over and tried to steal my food. Not so much fun, I must say. I knew there were picnic tables at the resevoir, so off we went.

I had a pretty good idea of how to get there, but wasn't certain. And of course, I made a wrong turn on the way. I realized I was lost pretty quickly, and was slightly worried (not to mention embarrassed). Suddenly, I recognized a different turn around a bend, took that, and in no time, we saw the entrance sign and were heading up the very steep hill to find parking. I somehow just pretended that I don't have a horrible, horrendous fear of heights. I quickly convinced myself of the very irrational idea that we were safe because we were inside the car. Hey, whatever it takes to keep from freaking out, right? I guess what it comes down to is that if I let myself contemplate my heights phobia for even a minute, I might have had a fairly serious panic attack. And there was nowhere to turn around! So, I was thoroughly amazed and fascinated that I was able to remain calm all the way to the top. Yay for me!

There were tons of parking spaces available, and we didn't even have to pay! Always a plus. I'd forgotten how beautiful it is there. Looking out, I saw the tall hills in the distance and the valley that separated us. Four or five turkey vultures flew overhead, as the sun shone warmly down on us. There was also a cool breeze that kept the day from feeling too hot, which I liked. And as we walked towards the trail, we saw the resevoir itself. Tons of blue water, waving in the breeze, the sunlight sparkling on its surface. Gorgeous!

Off to the right of the trail was a set of picnic tables. We grabbed one and I said, "Yay, no bees!" So of course, within seconds, several were all over me, buzzing in my ears, trying to grab my food. Meat bees. Who knew such a thing existed? And why didn't you tell me? I had no idea in the world before today that there are carnivorous bees! Misti and I were chatting away, but the bees distracted me a bit. Then right as I thought of it, Misti said it: "Give them some meat so they'll leave your food alone."

I placed a chunk of chicken on the table and closed up my food container. Soon, four of them were swarming on it, and I was able to eat with almost no disturbance (a few kept coming back to check out my lunch). We sat and talked and watched the bees long after I finished my food. They flew away with huge chunks in their mouths, then came flying back for more. They even fought each other over the chicken a couple of times. I was shocked that they ate so much of it! Must have been hungry.

I like those little guys. As often as they landed on my hands and knees, they never once stung me. They just wanted some food. I'm glad I could oblige.

It was wonderful spending time with Misti. Our lives are bizarrely similar right now, and it's nice to talk to someone who understands me. She said she feels the same way about me. It feels safe talking about anxiety to someone who knows exactly what you're going through. Plus, she and I both have very similar spiritual views, which made for some fascinating conversation as well. Since I first met her, I have felt intrigued by her, and wanted to know her better. Now, I'm getting to do just that, and it makes me really happy.

We headed back, and I dropped Misti off, not before exchanging good-byes and promises to do this again soon. And, since I knew where I was going, no more wrong turns. I used to feel foolish every time I made a wrong turn. But I realized I never get too far off track. I always make it to my destination in one piece. And it occurred to me that maybe wrong turns aren't so bad, really. After all, all the wrong turns I've ever made in my life have brought me to this point right here, right now. And I'm no worse for wear. In fact, I'm pretty happy with how everything's turned out.