Shaggy Dog stories have been around since ancient Greece, and most likely longer. Traditionally, a shaggy dog story involves a long, often detailed narrative ending in an unexpected, often irrational, and supposedly humorous final sentence. One form of the genre features a story which may seem serious and sincere, completely ridiculous or somewhere between. The punch line usually mishandles a well-known quote, adage, title, or song lyric so that there is some sort of pun or play on words that makes no real sense but still relates to the story. For example, most of us have sung about "Little Bunny Foofoo hoppin' through the forest, scoopin' up the field mice an' boppin' 'em on the head." The Blue Fairy comes down, admonishes Bunny's behavior and gives him three chances to mend his ways upon pain of being turned into a goon. Of course, over the next three days, Bunny ignores the Blue Fairy, squanders his chances, and is changed into a goon. The moral of the story? "Hare today, goon tomorrow".
The signal is rather jumpy. Coordinate suggestions are welcome. You will be following Biesecker Gap Road, which becomes narrow and rocky after the parking waypoint. Based on tracks in the mud, the road is used, but it is not graded for low clearance vehicles. Virginia "state birds" are sometimes abundant. DEET recommended.
Two business executives completed a week of corporate training abroad. Having several hours until their return flight to the States, it was decided that logging a few of the most favorited caches in the area would be a worthwhile pastime. One of those on the to-do list was a virtual cache at a legendary dining establishment. In addition to applauding the chef and unparalleled fare, patrons heaped superlatives upon the ambiance, the management, the sommelier, and even the serving and bus staff. In fact, locals as well as employees applied the nickname "rarey" to any waiter, referring to their uncommonly elevated skills exhibited while taking orders, recommending specialties, and providing for the patrons's every need. The executives completed the cache requirements and enjoyed a meal beyond all expectations. They boarded their flight back to Oregon well satisfied. But about half way home, one of them began to fidget and look extremely uneasy. The other noticed this, but not wishing to appear rude, said nothing. As soon as the plane landed, the fidgety exec. dashed straight for the ticket counter. "Where are you going? We’ve only just arrived." "I'm flying back," came the over-the-shoulder reply. "It occurred to me on the plane that I'd forgotten to leave a gratuity at that incredible restaurant." "Gee, I don't know, my friend. Is that really a good idea? __________________."