Almost the Last Image
Almost Lost my Camera
While vacationing at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama in 2019 spring, I almost lost my camera. Thanks to an alert restaurant server, luckily that didn’t happen.
We had just biked many miles in the park on their boardwalk-connected trails. For lunch we stopped at the Food Craft restaurant, located on the beach at the state park. It was a beautiful blue-sky day. Not a cloud in the sky, barely a wave on the Gulf of Mexico. And this was mid-April!
Biking in “tourist mode”, I had taken my camera with me and therefore had it with me at lunch. Looking out over the dunes and boardwalk from the deck, I took a few “tourist” images of the area. Nothing special, just capturing the scene that was before us for lunch.
Placed on Deck
To keep my camera out of the sun, I placed it (in its camera bag), beneath a chair on the deck, shaded by the seat. Believing I would never forget my camera, I went on to enjoy the view and lunch.
It was one of those glorious days, and yes, we easily became wrapped up in the Alabama weather.
Left without It
After paying for our lunch, we (fortunately) casually walked out to get our bikes.
Just about the time we were at the bike location, our server came out - my camera in his hand. “Sir, I think you left your camera.”
Thank You to the Server
Was he right! This camera is a professional Canon 1DsMIII with a 50mm f/1.2 L lens attached. It is expensive, and worth every penny.
Although it is very well insured, most importantly, it has also been with me for the past 13 years, and it is like a friend. I know how it works in almost any situation. To say he saved my vacation is an understatement.
The above picture was one taken before lunch from the deck. And as mentioned, it isn’t anything special.
I actually like the panoramic version of this better. However, this image will always remind me of the day our server at the restaurant at Gulf Beach State Park went over and above the call of duty. Yes, we then went back for lunch each of the next three days.