Journal

20 August ~ 2007

I had spent a week in the backcountry of the Beartooth Wilderness, and I yearned for the touch of a woman's back beneath my palm, the soft of her side against my arm. I was hoping for at least a few good dances at Cassie's in Cody.

Last year I lucked out. I met a gorgeous young blond woman on vacation who was a great dancer. Everyone in the place - the band, the bartender lady and waitresses, the bouncer, the local ladies, and the tourists watched her glide around the floor, spin and twirl to my lead's, and was awestruck as I was.

I couldn't hardly hope for that again this year. Early on I approached a table of four ladies, some of who I recognized from previous August nights at Cassie's. Two didn't want to dance. One did, and I was polite and gentle when I realized she didn't know the steps.

By 11pm I had danced exactly two dances, and was considering calling it a night. Then the opening guitar of 'Good Hearted Woman,' started up, and I knew I had to get on the floor again.

A Lady with a long Western dress on had sung a few songs with the band, and was now sitting with some friends near the dance floor. She had a great voice, and they said she was going to play Annie Oakley in a local production of 'Annie Get Your Gun.'

My guess was right - She knew how to triple step, and quickly figured out my leads. It was great - wild and passionate, yet controlled, since I stay sober. When the song was over we ended right in front of the band, and I leaned her over into a dip.

I thought this year was going to be a disappointment, but that dance made it turn out allright. I walked out of there a happy man, ready to head back up to the Beartooths the next morning.