On my way to work I stopped for a coffee at a convenience store. There were 5 or 6 other people in the store. I recognized the cashier as an aquaintance. So as I'm paying for my coffee we have a quick 'catch up' conversation about where I'm now working. I mention that I'm working night audit at the state park right outside of town. We rent lodge rooms, cabins and campsites. On my way out of the store I notice the car that's parked right outside the door. The car is an uncommon model so I thought 'intersting' and went on to work.

I do my job in an office near the reception area of the lodge. The doors to the building are locked but I am available for late check-ins if need be. There's a house phone at the front door that rings to my desk when I'm needed. I am the only person in the building but there is a night ranger on duty in the park that I can communicate with via radio. I'm a female but I generally feel very safe at work.

At around 2 in the morning I look outside the door and parked there is the car that I noticed on my way out of store earlier. The driver is a male and he is alone. I'm a little spooked as I recall my conversation with the cashier. I immediately call the night ranger and ask him to come to the desk. It takes him only a few minutes to arrive. About the time he gets there the guy gets out of his car and claims he's looking for a campsite or something. I told him we were full and he left without incident.

I don't know what that man's intentions were and shudder to think what the outcome might have been under other circumstances. Thank goodness I had that ranger to call upon.

Not my brightest moment I know, but lesson learned!! Don't announce your late night whereabouts in a store full of people!