We were hiking near Cabresto Lake which is surrounded by but not in the Latir Wilderness. I paused on the trail as 4 horsemen approached. They were dressed in fatigues head to toe, more likely hunters than fisherfolk. I asked the first, “are we close to the wilderness boundary?” “Yeah,” he answered, “about 15-20 minutes ahead.” Looking down at me, he asked, “You a Kerry supporter?” I laughed, surprised and puzzled. “Yeah. Why do you ask?” “You look like a Kerry supporter.” Riding a bit further he said, “Good luck to your boy in November — he’ll need it.”

Too late, I thought:

“Know what I don’t like about Kerry? He’s a hunter.”

“Why do you ask? Cuz I’m not sitting on my ass letting someone else do all the work?” (the horse)

“Let me get a picture. I’ve never seen a jackass on a horse.”

“You make $200K/year? You got a huge estate? No? Why are you pro-Bush?”

“White guys in camo — who would guess you’re Republicans.”

I’ve stewed over this much longer than I should, which is exactly what he’d like to hear. mjh