Mistaken Identity

Today Joe and I hiked the Smoke Bluffs, some granite outcroppings favoured by rock climbers.

A friend had told us about a new trail on the bluffs and we were keen to try it out.  A post at the trailhead warned us about having to use chains and ladders further on up the trail.

We started the hike and quickly encountered a knotted rope to pull ourselves up a granite boulder.  I tried to hoist myself up, but the granite was wet and my hiking boots couldn't grip the slippery rock.

I said, "I don't want to hike this trail.  Especially if we have to use chains and climb ladders."

"You go on ahead," I said to Joe.  "You hike it clockwise until it joins the Loop Trail.  I'll go Loop Trail and hike it counter-clockwise.  We'll meet in the middle and walk back out together."

Joe went his way and I went mine.

I began my ascent up the mountainside.  A woman was coming down the path.  We smiled at each other.

She asked, "Do you know these trails?"

"Kind of," I replied.  "Why?"

"Well, just to let you know, there's an old man up there acting weird.  He's wearing a toque and just wandering around.  He's standing at the junction of two trails, looking at his watch.  Luckily I was able to lose him.  But I just wanted to warn you because you are hiking alone."

I explained to her that my husband and I were meeting on the trail up above, so for her not to worry.  I wouldn't be alone for long.

Then she grabbed my arm and said, "OH MY GOD!  I AM SO SORRY!  IT'S YOUR HUSBAND UP THERE!"

I smiled.

She was right.

It was my husband.

Weird old man.