I saw this out-of-place sign and associated detritus as I approached Sanders, AZ. I pulled over and scrambled up a small embankment to take a few photos. After a few minutes I heard tires on gravel and figured a property owner was not so happy with my activities. I hadn’t jumped a fence or anything like that, but I’m always aware that the middle of nowhere is usually someone’s property.

I made a quick exit and headed down the road about a half mile to a gas station where I parked with my car facing the exit and waited to see if I was being followed. Sure enough, this dude pulls up right next to me in a large truck with a rusty flatbed trailer. I showed him my camera and plainly told him that I heard the vehicle and thought I should leave since I know guns are popular in these parts. He said, “Yeah, well I didn’t know what you were up to, plus I’m Israeli (it was a week after the Hamas attacks) - Shabbat Shalom”.

Then he saw the drumsticks in my passenger-side door - “I see you’re a drummer.” I confirmed his suspicions and he continued, “I’ve got a double pedal kit back at the property. I’m opening a studio next month - I hope you come back this way.” We bumped fists, said “Shalom,” and off I went.