From: drazz@quadsquad.org/anizedtravel
Category: Information
Date: 25 Jan 2000
Time: 01:00:48
Remote Name: 207.105.44.146
...I have your e-mail addy in my book. Very kind of you, Mate!
No idea about when I'll start making travel noises but having local background is the very best info one can have. Such things as where to find a sand-going chair to rent, who has roll-in showers, curb access, entry access to dining rooms (and their loo), etc. is a must to know unless one wants to spend the whole time looking for stuff.
My trips have always been great because they're planned. Bruce, your Papa can attest, I'm certain, to the number of barriers around. It's usually stuff that nobody notices. I realize the vast majority of the world doesn't need anything 'special' but be assured those of us who do need that stuff are grateful when it's there...and understand when it's not...access is spendy.
Gotta tell this though not about access...we went to a local lake to fish and have a picnic. We went with a gay couple (men who have spent 23 faithful years together), were fishing from shore, just lollygagging and having a fun day...soon noticed a car taking the circle drive near our spot for the 3rd or 4th time. So the car stops and over strides this gorgeous woman...I mean, she looked like a 'cover girl', had on a rather prim dress but was beautiful . The guy she was with was a trot behind her...guy was a dumpy little fella, oiled hair, dress shirt and slacks, sweating like a dog.
Woman approaches and stops about 2 feet from me, surveys our little band, turns her back on everyone but me whom she faces...crosses her arms and says, "You know WHY you're sitting there in that wheelchair, don't you?" I was so taken aback I think I just said, "Huh?" This woman waves her hand imperiously in the direction of our friends...and launched into a diatribe about 'abomination'. The sweaty guy is nodding and saying, "Amen" and "Amen and Hallelujah, Lois". Woman proceeded to urge Peg and me to leave our friends there and go pray with her and Sweaty. Peg, ever the diplomat, started to howl with laughter and told her to get the *f**k* out of my(meaning me...my Lioness) face and how dare they come into our private lives with such hate.
Then, and I know she simply couldn't resist, Peg, suddenly and seemingly sincere, apologized for swearing at them. She told them we were planning a VERY intimate little 'get-together' and (to the woman), "I find you terribly attractive. We can have a wonderful time." Our friends are nearly hysterical by now...I'm about to choke and Peg can't drop it. The pair almost ran to their car...with Peg right behind them begging them to 'stay and play'. They undoubtedly knew by then that Peg was just tweaking them but I think they still weren't certain. They jumped in their car and locked the doors! (They took off too fast for Peg to complete her plan...which was to moon them...my precious little SO, who's soooooo sweet.)
The point of that windy tale is...travel is hazardous...no matter where you are. The couple with us didn't stand out as flaming either...they were only lying on a blanket with Peg, no physical stuff , just shoulder to shoulder with one of the guys in the middle. These eagle-eyed folks surely had 'gaydar' of their own, I guess. I am still astonished that this happened. Another point is...people seem to have so little hesitation to approach someone who can't escape from them with things utterly none of their business. I don't really know why I told that story except it just popped into my head.
Thanks again. Bruce...I'll be in touch when I'm more definite with time.
draz* most times, if you're taken aback...you're affronted *zig