It was the early days of the Highland Valley copper boom in south-central British Columbia more than 30 years ago, and I had been exploring some of the many claims south of the open-pit mine project of Bethlehem Copper.
The route I followed in my 4-by-4 truck took me from Merritt and wound through Aspen Grove to the Hope-Princeton Highway.
The colors of the aspen trees in the fall were a riot of orange and yellow — it was a delightful day.
Ahead, I could see a figure standing by the road. As I approached and focused, I realized it was a tall, dark, attractive girl waving me down. I stopped beyond her and watched cautiously in my rear-view mirror for any hidden companions.
“Thank you for stopping, ” she said. “My friends, who turned down a side road, said I would be able to flag a ride easily. Where are you going?, ” she asked.
“Oh, I’m heading to Princeton, ” I answered. I never gave the hitchhiker my ultimate destination in case I wanted to drop her off early.
We were soon chatting vivaciously. She asked, “What are you doing in this area? “
“I’m a mining engineer and have been exploring for copper in Highland Valley, “
I said.
“How do you do that? What does it look like? What an interesting and exciting job you have! How do you know where to dig? “
I answered, and then it was my turn to ask questions. “What are you doing in the interior? ” I asked.
“In the summer, I travel to smaller towns and tell fortunes, ” she said. “I read teacups and palms and tarot cards. I do quite well. There is always someone interested in a reading — men, as well as women. And besides that, I like the interchange with the country people. “
We discussed the mystic arts, and she warmed to her subject. She said she came from a long line of mystics and witches.
“You mean you make potions and cast spells and all that sort of thing? ” I asked.
“Oh yes. In fact, I did training as a witch and belong to a coven. ” “Go on, ” I said.
She smiled bewitchingly at me and gently touched my knee.
I felt a flush. I turned into a motel.
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