* * Robbed by a masked bandit

A week ago, I was robbed.

This time last week, I was on the road doing research for research for my upcoming book, Harmonic Highways, Motorcycling The Crooked Road.

After exploring Rocky Mount, Ferrum, and Floyd on an excruciatingly hot day, I stopped for the night at Willville motorcycle campground in Meadows of Dan.

My tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, clothes, and most of my other belongings were stored in a Cordura duffel bag that I draped over the rear seat of the motorcycle.

I set up my tent near the creek and threw my mattress and sleeping bag inside.  I had a state map on the picnic table, along with my helmet, riding suit, and flashlight.  I had brought dinner with me and I walked up the gentle hillside to the porch of Will’s cabin and had dinner chatting with Will and another motorcycling friend, Mike.  When I returned, I found small puddles of water on the state map.  It messed with my mind thinking about how they could have been there, given the cloudless sky.  I was completely unable to fathom an explanation.

I situated my belongings, leaving most of my things inside the tent but the little food that I had left: a half bagel, to peaches, and a candy bar, in the duffel bag.  I spent the evening chatting with other campers.  After dark, I was sitting by the campfire – yes, it did cool enough to have a fire – when someone yelled at us, “Whoever has the Honda needs to come over and have a look.”  I scampered from my log seat back to my camp area.  Someone said, “There has been a raccoon here and he has gotten into your stuff.”  With my flashlight, I saw my black duffel bag lying in the creek nearby.

I pulled it from the creek.  It was muddy and dirty.  All of the food was gone.  A pair of wool socks was similarly muddy and wet.  My toilet kit, including my medications, was soaking wet.  The pills in the individual compartments were dissolving.

The next morning I wandered into the creek and found my watch and my Rotary club pin along with a small cloth bag that I normally use to carry my lunch to work.  The food was completely gone, including the wrappers.  I felt stupid for failing to heed the warning signs and made that I’d been victimized. 

I spoke with Will about my misfortune.  He said, “We have occasionally had problems with raccoons here in the campsite.  I have trapped two of them and have driven them 10 miles away before releasing them.  I never feel quite right about this.  I’m not sure they won’t find their way back eventually and besides, I feel like I am simply exporting my problem to somebody else.”

Other than this little incident and the oppressive heat, it was a wonderful trip and I met some fascinating people who I will be profiling in the book.  Stay tuned to this blog for further announcements. I appreciate your interest in my work.