Readiness

 There was a time when I frequently traveled from my residence in Texas to destinations in Ohio, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, or California.  I enjoyed the journey along the open highways, flying in complete freedom, nearly airborne. Comfortable and secure in my almost new truck.

I would leave home with a full tank of gas, having checked all the fluids under the hood — and smug with assurance that I had a properly inflated spare tire.

I had learned a lesson the hard way — having once set out with a spare tire that was under-inflated.

Flat.

And wouldn't you know it, that was the only trip of all that I made, from 1956 through 2002, when I had a flat tire.

Now I check the spare before departure.

Like they taught me in the Boy Scouts, “Be Prepared.”

That routine was followed — in principle — when set up my fishing boat. I made certain that I had on board an adequate number of PFD's. I never had to avail myself of their presence but . . . they were there.  Like a flashlight.    Ever-ready.

I went deer hunting in the Rocky Mountains.

I carried a rifle while scouting afoot — but on occasion I would lay my rifle aside, to tend to necessities.

I knew there were mountain lion and bear in the area — so I always had on my hip a holster with a fully loaded large caliber revolver.

I wonder at the mentality of those who frequent those remote hills with no more personal protection than a bicycle.