We had no idea that meeting would spark a friendship, meeting on rally stages and service parks around North America. Despite working for different media companies, I found myself grudgingly admitting that they might be smarter than my initial assessment had allowed. And just as I moved my truck, the then-Canadian Rally Champion Patrick Richard drove by and shotgunned the area I had previously occupied with thumb-sized gravel. Warwick, walking by with his co-worker and friend Dean Campbell, informed me that it was a rather unsafe spot to park. I had parked my truck in what I assumed was a safe place to avoid rocks and debris. Ten or 11 (maybe 12?) years ago I met Warwick Patterson on the side of a rally stage near Calgary Alberta, Canada. I would listen and nod, but never truly join in other than to offer some comments on the weather, or to talk about the photos I had taken of the cars: there was always a piece missing to my involvement in that conversation. Hearing the answers always made me smile. I had heard this exchange countless times over the past eight years on dirt corners or at the shoulder of the road, at lunch breaks, and at coffee shops. But regardless of what path the answer would travel, it would start with: “Well…” It would be said with a smile, or a rueful shake of the head. The other was the start of a conversation, an offer to sit and enjoy the company and the companionship that can only be found at the end of a long day of driving. More of a, “How are you doing, how is the car, how were the roads, nice to see you,” all rolled into one small question. One as a casual line used in lieu of a greeting. “How was the drive?” The question was asked in one of two ways.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |