Decked out

Our umbrella twirled in a gust of wind 

as houseboats floated by on Mara Lake. 

Tree branches swayed and begonias fluttered their faces, 

flirting with the clouds.

My veggie burger arrived with a fresh gust of country music 

and a raspberry vinaigrette side salad.

Our friendly server talked about educational options in Alberta and Ontario. 

Other guests discussed a chance meeting with a token turtle 

as though it had mystic importance.

The view was amazing, the food was tasty 

and the service was exceptional.          L.

The music here is pretty serious country, "Shotgun Girl" and "Tonight I'm gonna love you like there's no tomorrow". We choose a table and then change immediately when we realize the magnificent view of Mara Lake is obstructed by a wooden railing. I order a chicken caesar wrap from the waitress who wears her various service paraphernalia on a bejewlled belt, snuggly strapped around her hips. It's a slow day. Most of the tables are empty. The wind picks up and spins the large umbrellas at each table.       D.

Cash only!

I ordered the Chorizo Burrito (Mexican family recipe for sausage) 

and green tea iced tea (the owner's personal recipe). 

It doesn't qualify as a sandwich as in two slices of bread, 

but hey, it is exactly what this project is about: 

the profound beauty of simple ingredients in unexpected surroundings!
...D.

The place was littered with faded photos and signs. 

The Virgin Mary gazed out at us. 

Caballeros squinted at each other. 

Colourful plastic chairs offered respite from the threat of rain.  

We were reminded by another sign that it was "Cash Only". 

A "No dog droppings" sign was taped onto the garbage can closest to our table 

and nearby public washrooms offered interesting graffiti.

When we ordered our lunch, the owner said that Sturgis North was a disaster for her business. 

Locals stayed away because the road was closed to everyone except motorcycles. 

She was confident that the Roots & Blues Festival in August would keep her busy. 

I dropped a few coins into her Mexican Retirement Fund tin.

My loaded veggie burrito was as delicious as I remembered it 

from my last visit when she had just opened for the season. 

A few drops of Valentina Sala Picante added a little heat to my bites. 

Bliss!!
...L.

Ho-Hum Haven

The scent of leather mixed with cigarette smoke and drifted down to our outdoor table. Another Harley pulled into the parking lot. Semis roared past, raising dust and drowning out the conversation.

It was a pleasant relief to sit outside without a horde of mosquitoes drilling into my legs, arms and neck. A breeze kept the temperature at a perfect level. Listening to my hungry stomach, I ordered the deluxe cheeseburger. Throwing caution to the wind, I also requested fries instead of salad. 

Enroute to the washroom I spotted a skeleton, clinging to the replica of a motorcycle, hanging over the pool table. A cigarette vending machine sat at the end of the bar. Two women in the washroom shared stories about outhouse experiences while camping at the Merritt Mountain Festival.

It felt like yesteryear. Lunch was fresh and delicious! ....L.

Virginia creeper archways line the wraparound deck creating summer windows. I order a BLT on wholewheat with a salad. The waitress is almost yawning. A cool summer breeze wafts over us and country rock music is piped in overhead.

The pub is on the main street and there is a fairly steady flow of traffic going by. Our conversation gets drowned out by the passing semis and motorbikes.  

Across the street is a Yarn Shop which is part of the General Store. After our surprisingly serene lunch experience we will wander over to run our fingers over the beautiful rich colours stacked enticingly up and down one entire store aisle that spills into a back corner.  ...D.