Baker02

          Got 'a tad' lost today going to Oakland (see map #3). I prefer to call it the extremely-semi 'scenic route'; or, the definitive 'circuitous
route'. However one chooses to describe it - I didn't get to Oakland !! I wound up at a place called the A-1 Motel, 'somewhere' in the San Joaquin Valley. It wasn't a palace - it had a bed, and 'walking water'...a little black and white TV with the coat-hanger aerial - most all of the amenities
one needs while on the road. Charles Kuralt might look down his nose at it...or maybe hold his nose, but I can make do for one night.
        Then - the 'time-capsule moment' of the whole trip, maybe for all of time. After my harrowing day on the road, and pathetic attempt to reach Oakland, I was tired, and desired a nap. But it was not to be, as I was soon
awakened by the delightful sounds of sirens, and highway patrol
walkie-talkies. I then heard - a goat - outside my door!!

     Yep - you read me right, a goat! The A-1 was out in the country, farms close by...I guess one got away, dreaming of a better life, and more comfortable accommodations. It was obviously upset about something, and was running up and down the hallway, with people and patrolmen in hot pursuit, yelling things like "Get him"!!, and "Grab that goat"!! The 'stampede' outside my room, was literally shaking the walls, and vibrating the fixtures!
     And then - the coup de grace. I actually heard a voice on one of the walkie-talkies say "I had him cornered, but he's a slippery, and wily goat"....I continued to hear strange and murky 'goat sounds' off in the distance for about twenty minutes. I have no idea what was going on - and didn't dare open the door to find out! I don't know
if the "slippery and wily goat" got away, or whether this fugitive goat was apprehended, but I do know this: Charles Kuralt - never - had this kind of excitement outside his hotel room!! At most of your 5-Star hotels, goats aren't even allowed inside.