He called himself Jacob, and claimed to be a local. The fare at the restaurant he recommended was hideous, though, so I decided he was lying. Georgie thought he looked nice enough. I said someone nice enough wouldn't have approached us in the motel parking lot.
I had planned to walk that night. Two blocks west, then south along the river to the dam. About two and a half miles total, one hour's worth at leisurely pace. We turned the TV on instead, talked about the wildlife, and checked the window every half-hour.
We spent Monday morning in the dark, a quarter-mile underground. Georgie was equipped better than I; tight-laced boots, light pack, heavy camera. I carried the water.
We two were the first through the cavern's opening but we crossed paths with Jacob halfway down. He claimed to be an employee. I suspect him a thrill-seeker. I saw him first, when I turned my head and caught him clinging to a ledge in a roped-off area.
In retrospect, I know reporting him would have been wise. Georgie persuaded me against it. After all, she argued, he's obviously no novice if he was hanging by the ledge you pointed out. The risks are his to take, and with the park open, he'll be leaving.
