the San Diego Highwayman
The "Mission"
I have been called various things as I pursue my "mission" of helping others on the highways and byways of my travels. Highway Angel, Road Ranger, White Knight, Good Samaritan, are some that I don't mind ----But I kinda like best the moniker that Charles Kuralt bestowed when fellas from Ninth Wave Productions followed me one day to film me "playin on the freeway" [ helpin folks ] on his "American Moments" show in 1997. He said --
"Highwaymen of old were figures to fear, but here's a HIGHWAYMAN to admire."
My "Ghostbusters" rescue rig, so called for its resemblence to the vehicle in the movie of the same name, is a mixture of many makes, models, and years of vehicles blended together to make a whole. I originally aqquired it for $35.00 when I found it sitting in a vacant lot in Ocean Beach in 1966. It was badly front-end damaged and had broken windows, missing parts and was basicly abandoned to the elements. I began to piece it back togeather using what came to hand. It slowly evolved over the years into what it is today, a very unusual and distinctive SAR [ Search And Rescue ] vehicle.
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life, that we cannot sincerely help another without helping ourselves in the bargain."
Needless to say, littl Whitney's artwork rememberance, above, of our July 5th encounter, lifts MY spirits considerably ever time I look at it! :)
PS -- Shela is my canine "shotgun" partner, Humane Society "rescue" pooch, and doesn't normally "drive" the rig. ;) Although -- "She"'s SMART enough she probably COULD if she had fingers. ;) Stopping might be a bit RUFF however ESPECIALLY if she happened to spy a CAT :0
Stopped to help this little gal, Jane, whilst out "playin" one day -- never imagined the fun I had helpin her, would result in my favorite chuckle to read ;) -- funny & talented girl, Jane :)
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Monday, February 06, 2006
The Highway Man
by Jane Lui
according to a chinese oracle who calculated my birth and numbers, whenever i run into an issue, someone will be near to lend a hand. it's translated as "royal guest through grand gates."
i got a flat tire yesterday on the 163. so i called road side assistance.
while on the phone with a very nice lady... i saw in my rearview mirror: the Ghostbuster mobile drove up.
i swear.
but on the front it said, "search & rescue."
i pulled my phone away from my ear, looked at it with a raised eyebrow, looked back at the mirror, a man was already walking up to me.
"Hi, i'm here to help. we'll get you on the road in no time."
"what? are you asking for money?"
he hands me a card with the greatest smile.
"no. i do this for fun. i saw you from the other side of the highway, turned around and stopped here."
"wh..what do you mean...you..you do this for FUN..."
while the lady on the phone says, "well... it seems like you're ok..."
"yeah..mm... thanks.. i'll call you again if i need anything..."
he had me hooked.
"it's what i do.. i look for people like you and help them get back on the road. they call me The Highway Man." i then looked for his cape.
while getting my spare on within 5 minutes, he had me standing on the hill incase some drunk didn't see us around the bend. my job was to Scream, if.
i stood there... stunt.
he's been doing this for 20 years. his partner in crime, Shela, had her chin out the window just waiting patiently in her black and white blotches.
his business card says, "Assisting you has been my pleasure. I ask for no payment other than for you to pass on the favor by helping someone in distress that you may encounter."
Today. i am a believer.
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Should you wish to, you may contact the San Diego Highwayman
@
Goose Creek Ranch
504 Macon St
El Cajon, Ca.
92019
619-442-3767
SNOWtraction@aol.com
Happy trails to you, do a RAoK "pass it on" it'll make YOUR day as well ;)
from the Highwayman, Thomas T.
finally -- "Don't breed or buy while shelter pets DIE"
Shela WAS a shelter dog!
I cain't imagine not havin her with me!
"She" was WAITIN fer *me* @ the San Diego Humane Society 887 Sherman St. San Diego, Ca. 92110
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