Dave: This story would go well under Camping under the Gay directory. Thanks for your consideration. How does one get his name listed under authors? Thanks...River Rat
It had been a year since the divorce, and life was barely worth living. I had the same routine every day, going to work, keeping up the lawn, gym several times per week, and Sunday dinner at my parent's home. I hated Sunday dinner, the questions, comments, and comparisons to my siblings. They all appeared to have happy marriages and several kids each. It seemed like the American dream, but it felt like my nightmare.
I was at the crossroads, close to making a very major decision in my life. Whether it be mid-life, depression, and/or boredom, it really didn't matter. I had built up to an internal crisis and needed a life changing decision. I realized it was time for a vacation before I made a dangerous or unwise choice, like quitting my job and walking away from life, or worse. Just making the decision to take a vacation gave me a lift, and the ability to penetrate the melancholy that filled me. I had fond memories of a favorite family vacation to the Grand Canyon, and suddenly the destination was chosen. The necessary reservations were made, and I began to assemble all the things I would need. After several visits to the sporting goods store, I realized that motels would be cheaper, but that wasn't the dream.
Finally, the day came to depart. My mother was worried about me taking off cross-country, but found solace in giving me a sack lunch, along with too many hugs and kisses. Now I was on the open road, and loved the feel of the wind on my face and music in my ears. September was an excellent time to travel. I avoided the interstates, preferring to see America on back highways.
I spent the first two days driving hard, stopping late only to sleep. On the morning of the third day I made the decision to slow down and take it easy. I was way ahead of schedule and a thousand miles from anyone I knew. I slept a little longer, ate breakfast at a fast food joint before hitting the highway. I was in Denver that afternoon, but kept on going to avoid rush hour in the big city. The mountains were beautiful, and I began to feel a sense of peace come over my body. I found a small private campground, and enjoyed my first campfire before heading to bed. I got my book bag, and began to search for something to read. It had been days since a sexual thought had entered my mind, but when I came across a Penthouse, I was quickly aroused. I realized it had been weeks since I enjoyed some solitary pleasure. Stripping down and laying on my sleeping bag, I enjoyed a long and slow bit of pleasure. Afterwards, I had that empty, hollow feeling which seemed to represent the place I was in life. Right at that moment, I decided to live a little.
The following morning, I awoke to bright sun shining on the tent. In the mountains, the sun is very intense, and the tent was hot. I threw back the covers, and immediately aware of a full bladder. I slipped on my shorts, having difficulty to zip them up with morning stiffness. Scampering over to the bathroom, I relieved built up pressure. The smell of my own funk hit my nostrils, and decided a shower was in order. I went to get my gear and returned to find the single working stall busy. Although the shower had a curtain, there was no private dressing room. I sat and waited, and was glad when I heard the shower turn off, the curtain drawn back, and a most handsome man reached for his towel. His eyes met mine, and he smiled a warm inviting smile. He stepped out of the shower, but not far enough to free the space. His white towel against his tanned body created a healthy contrast. I realized that I had been staring when he made eye contact again. I could feel my face turn bright red, and quickly averted my eyes.
The shower was now free, and with speed to end my embarrassment, I moved towards the open stall. I began to slip off my shorts and turned to put them on the bench. There was the mystery man looking at me. My cock was about half-alive and there was no way to hide it. I smiled and lost my balance when my underwear caught on my toes. I felt like such a clumsy fool as I reached out to steady myself.
"Well that was graceful" I said to no one in particular.
"I've done much worse" the stranger replied, making eye contact again.
"I bet you weren't naked at the time" I retorted.
"I wouldn't make that bet if I were you."
I finally had to sit down to completely untangle my foot. "Well I guess I'd need to take lessons is graceful nakedness."
"That might help. Watch that shower head, the pressure is enough to remove a layer of skin" he said.
"Thanks" I said, and in a gesture completely out of character in a bathroom, I reached over and extended my hand. "By the way, my names Hank." As he shook my hand, I could feel his strength in his firm grip.
"Glad to meet you, I'm Craig." His eyes danced with light and a curious look of mischief. His white teeth were visible in his wide smile. He was sitting nude, and I couldn't help but notice his soft circumcised penis perched over some beefy balls. "I don't usually shake hands naked, but this time I'll make an exception" he said.
"Well thanks, I'm just glad I didn't fall on you" I said.
"That would have been real embarrassing, especially being naked and sporting that morning woody."
"Oh God, just when I thought it couldn't get any worse. I'm really sorry, it is morning and it's been a long time."
"Well, they have a cure for that" Craig replied.
"Yes, but I'm traveling alone" I replied.
"What's your point?" he asked, his devilish smile even wider.
I stammered out my reply "...uh...no one around to...uh...do" my face even redder, but even worse, my wood had turned to stone.
"Your elbows don't look broken" he joked as he noticed my increased arousal.
"I guess there's no shame in a guy taking care of his own needs" I said, my dignity only slightly restored.
"None that I know of, but don't have too much fun in the shower, I'm right outside here, and with all your coordination, you'll be on the floor before you finish."
I stood to enter the shower, thinking 'Craig looks absolutely charming, good enough to....' My thoughts wondered into foreign territory, and shook the foundation of my very identity.
"That fall would go down as a record in the 'Life's Most Embarrassing Moments Book' " I replied.
"Yes it would" I heard Craig say as I slipped behind the curtain. When I finished and turned off the water, he was gone. It was then that I realized how much I missed having someone to talk with.
After breakfast, I took a walk around the park, enjoying the beautiful mountains and fall colors. It was cool enough for a jacket and long pants, both of which I hadn't thought to wear. I packed up the gear, packed the car, and headed out for a scenic day of driving in the Colorado Rockies.
I hadn't even driven a block before I saw Craig hitch-hiking on the main highway. He had his nap sack and bedroll over his shoulder, his perfect smile, and the look pure innocence. On impulse I stopped to pick him up.
"Where are you heading?" I asked.
"No where in particular, just away from here. Where you going?" he asked.
Not sure how much information I wanted to share, I replied "Four Corners area, you're welcome to ride for the day if you like. Craig, wasn't it?" I said.
"Yes, on both accounts." He said as he got into the car, placing his bag in the back seat.
"I didn't see you around the campground this morning, are you camping?"
"Not officially, I kind of sneaked into the bathroom for a badly needed shower. I've been on the road a few days and was pretty ripe. By the way, thanks for stopping and giving me a lift. I've met some real creeps, and was glad to see a friendly face."
I'd guess Craig to be about 25/30, about 5'10" with brown hair. On the surface, he reminds me of the guy from the television show "Early Edition." He spoke with clarity, which indicated privilege and education. His clothes were of good quality, although in need of cleaning. All in all, not a typical hitchhiker, but then again, how would I know what was typical.
I was very curious to find out what a guy like Craig was doing on the road, but kept my questions quiet. Our first hour was small talk, you know, weather, scenery, sports. That led into me telling him about my own journey, and then I asked him about his situation.
Craig didn't tell it all at first, but in the end I learned that he had been an investment advisor, and until five days ago, lived in Denver with his girlfriend. It all began when he was fired from his job due to a Securities & Exchange Commission rules violation. He got a little drunk and went home and had a horrible fight with his girlfriend, who promptly threw him out with the help of the police. After a day of drinking and wallowing in shame and guilt, he made some critical decisions, packed his stuff and hit the road. Having lost the company car and credit cards, he was reduced to hitchhiking. Although he had some money, it wouldn't last long in his usual style of travel. Even his personal credit cards were maxed out. He had nowhere to go, no family to take him in, no church to help, not even a friend who stood by him when the scandal broke. And I thought I had problems!
As we got to know each other, I felt a real affinity towards Craig, and invited him to share a campsite with me in Durango. Although my tent was small, we managed to get both our sleeping bags inside. He was very helpful cooking supper, and we chatted over a campfire. It felt wonderful to have someone to talk with and share the evening.
In another impulsive thought, I asked "Craig, would you be interested in going on to Grand Canyon? I've got a week before I head back home, and it would be great to have some company along."
"Wow, that would be great. I've got nowhere to go, and Grand Canyon sounds wonderful. I've never seen it. Thanks."
We settled into bed with no sense of modesty. After all, we had seen each other naked just this morning. Craig slipped into his sleeping bag nude, and I in my underwear. That night I dreamt some very sexual images, and to my horror, woke up with cum in my underwear. This was a very unusual occurrence, what's more, the dream was about Craig! I used the cold air as an excuse to put on my shorts inside my sleeping bag. We both walked to the bathroom for morning duties, including showers. Being a modern resort, there was more privacy.
We had two days till the camping reservation began at Grand Canyon, so we were able to take a side trip through Mesa Verde National Park. We toured a dwelling that required a rather steep ladder climb, and my fear of heights kicked in. Craig, below me on the ladder, gently nudged me up the ladder, only to create a second problem, hiding an erection while climbing a ladder. I didn't manage either one very well.
We spend that night camping in Page, Arizona. We caught a glimpse of Lake Powell and wished for time to take a lake cruise. We had fallen into a rhythm of setting up camp and preparing dinner. It was much warmer here, and we were each in shorts. I found myself admiring Craig's physique and wondering about the dream the night before. We settled into our sleeping bags, only this time, on impulse, I also slept in the nude. As we drifted off to sleep, Craig was talking about his girlfriend and how hot she was in bed.
I was not sure what caused me to awaken, but must have been unfamiliar sounds. I lay quiet till I could figure the source, and was a aroused to realize that Craig was beating off. His sleeping bag was unzipped and I could barely make out the silhouette from the full moon. I had never seen anything like this and was completely mesmerized, unable to look away. He was very quiet, but here was the definite pumping sound and breathing pattern of a guy about the shoot. I couldn't make out the details, but new he had completed his mission when he the sound changed to a moister sound, and then the pumping ended. He had something near by ready for the clean up. He struggled with his zipper and had to turn towards me, and caught me with my eyes open.
"Oh sorry, I thought you were asleep."
"Guess your elbows aren't broken. Don't think anything there is broken at all" I softy retorted.
"I guess it's my turn to be embarrassed, only you can't see me blush. I guess you learn more than you want to when you camp with someone." He stated.
"That's certainly more than I've ever seen before. Now I'll have nightmares, thanks a lot."
"Man you were having some nightmares last night, you were moaning and groaning. I half thought is was a wet dream. Anyway, sorry to disturb your sleep."
"No problem" was my reply, only there was a big problem, and it wouldn't let me sleep. My hands were drawn to my phallus, as if my brain no longer controlled them. The sleeping bag was awkward, but I was able to get a small rhythm going. I was sure that Craig was asleep, and began to be more daring and charged right on to orgasm. It was great, but I had forgot to grab something to clean up with. I had to use one hand to keep the bag away from my messy tummy, using the other to search around for something.
"Forgot to plan ahead I see. Here, use this" Craig said, handing me something in the darkness.
"Well, I guess we're even" I said, accepting his offer, quickly cleaning myself off.
We awoke, pretty much at the same time. I unzipped before remembering I was naked. My morning hardon was clearly visible.
"I thought you took care of that last night" Craig teased.
"It's got a mind of its own" was my reply.
:"Don't I know it, every morning. Its like having my own sun dial."
The first thing I noticed was my cum rag, but it turned out to be his used underwear.
"Sorry about that. I hope you've got some clean ones for today."
"No problem, I've got several more pair. Not the first cum these have cleaned up" he replied.
"You're awfully good natured about it. Some guys would go ballistic over a thing like this."
"Life's too short to sweat the small stuff. It's the big stuff that will kill you. Boy have I learned that lesson. I figure God made us all pretty much the same, your cum or my cum, it all washes out in the laundry."
"I've never heard another guy talk that this" I said, "Everyone I know is so hung up on sex that it's taboo to even talk about it. How'd you get so smart?" I asked.
"Well, it's a long story..." and Craig told his story as we drove through the desert to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It seems that during high school he became the coach's pet student. The coach became his mentor, then confidant, and then his lover. As he told the story, I found myself aroused and had to shift my erection for comfort. The locker room scenes really got me going. I knew that this was illegal and criminal, but still couldn't remover the erotic aspects of the story. The coach never forced him, was considerate, insightful, and shared a lot of wisdom over the one year relationship, his senior year in high school. That was 10 years ago, and he still sent him a Christmas Card every year.
I asked if Craig struggled with his sexual identity after that.
"You know, Coach was pretty smart about that too. I learned that it was normal to be sexually attracted to both men and women. I even dated girls that year, and was able to be sexual without any problems. I don't know where we get so screwed up sexually. I'll be forever thankful for what he taught me, and I've been happy ever since."
"That is amazing. Have you had a male partner since your coach?" I asked.
"I've been interested several times, but no, I've haven't."
We spent the remainder of the day on other subjects and the spectacular scenery. We set up or campsite in the National Park, and quickly went sight seeing. Bright Angel point was our favorite scenic overlook. Our altitude was much higher and thus it was much colder. Our campfire kept us warm as we prepared for bed. I dug out several more blankets, expecting to need them by morning. One lesson I learned from Craig was that sleeping is the clothes you wore today would only keep you colder at night, so given the excuse to be daring, I slept in the nude again. I couldn't help but play the tapes in my mind of our conversation, wondering when Craig has last been interested in a guy. Part of me wished it had been me, and the other part wished it wasn't. The internal conflict didn't seem so wide tonight, sleeping beside him, alone, being so close for warmth. I even began to wonder if our sleeping bags were compatible to zip together.
"Are you warm enough?" I asked, wondering what I would do if he said no.
"I'm pretty chilly, can you help me get blankets over the top of my bag?"
I enjoyed the feeling of spreading and smoothing blankets over Craig. I was hoping to get a feel of some hardness, but I think he was too cold. He seemed to drift off to sleep, and I continued into my thoughts. I must have drifted off as well because I was startled when he woke me up.
"Hank...Hank...I'm really cold. You have any more blankets?"
"What...oh...let me think. No, this is all I brought."
"Man, I've got to do something. Can I sleep in the car?" Craig asked.
"Yeah...fine...that might work. How about we zip the bags together?" I suggested.
"Anything, I've never been so cold."
We fumbled around trying to match the zippers, but finally I gave up.
"Craig, I can't figure this out now. Just climb in my bag." I unzipped my bag in anticipation of his acceptance.
"Let me find some clothes first" he said.
"Fine, but I don't really care."
He looked around, but finally just climbed in. I turned on my side to make more room. He was really cold against my warm skin, as he zipped up the bag and adjusted the blankets. I instinctively snuggled up to him and put my arms around his chest. I could feel his teeth chatter as he relaxed. I drifted off to sleep, but didn't sleep well due to the confined space. I awoke in the morning, suddenly aware that my erection was neatly ensconced between Craig's butt cheeks. He was still asleep and seemed unaware of the situation. My fingers were touching bare skin, and I began to explore, ever so softly, his chest, then his tummy. He shifted in his sleep, and then I found his navel and that thin line of hair leading southward. His new position only increased the pressure against my penis. My fingers moved with a will of their own, following the trail, and finally, barely touching his penis, also hard.
"I wondered when you'd find the courage to explore" Craig said.
Startled, I moved my hands away. The bag was so tight that I had nowhere to put them where I was not touching him.
"It's ok, relax" he said, pushing against my hardness. "You really kept me warm last night. I guess I'm keeping you pretty hot too."
I couldn't think of a response, and hesitated a moment before my fingers began to explore. I could smell his hair as I hugged him closely. His nipples were surrounded with hair and became stiff as my fingers circled and pinched. His hands moved my hands back down to his penis, stiff and demanding attention. We were so close, it was as if it were my own penis, only it was thicker and longer. I tried to be gentle as I began to pump in earnest. I could feel wetness as I continued. Craig's breathing began to change and he pressed hard against my body, almost hurting my own erect member. He handed me a sock to put over his cock as he approached orgasm. It made the friction weird, but he grunted and came inside the sock.
"That was great. Now it's your turn" he said. "Let me unzip the bag a little so I can shift positions."
I turned onto my back as we adjusted. Craig moved to his side, and I could see his smile.
"I was hoping that this could happen ever since I saw you in the shower that morning. You looked so innocent and modest as you struggled into the shower. When you became aroused I wanted to proposition you right there, but didn't want to scare you. I'm glad I waited."
"I noticed you right off, but didn't recognize my own response as sexual. I would have ran for the hills if you had come on to me" I said.
"I want to make love to you now. What can I do that won't scare you?" Craig asked.
"Go for it, whatever you want" I pleaded.
I felt his hand explore my chest and move over my tummy. His first explorations moved past my obvious need and ran down my thigh and up the inside. I spread my legs and he found my sack, slack from the heat. His hand was so gentle. He found my nipple with his mouth and soon moved his hand to my shaft, gently exploring. My need was so great that I wanted him to move faster and harder, but I remained passive.
Craig unzipped the bag further, and slid down deeper. I moved further up, anxious for him to take me with his mouth, and I wasn't disappointed. It all looked rather silly, blankets and sleeping bags askew with his head bobbing up and down. I have receive a blowjob before, though not recently, but this was a totally new sensation. He used his saliva as lubrication as he created suction that brought immediate pleasure. I found his head with my hands and had a primitive need to push him up and down, deeper and harder. I could feel the fluids build inside my body, like lava inside a volcano. I wouldn't let him stop. I had to cum. I didn't even think about his preference, I just had to get off. Craig didn't even skip a beat as my cum blasted into his mouth. I could feel it escape his mouth as more and more cum filled him to overflowing. Finally I felt resistance to my hands as he slowed his pace and finally withdrew him mouth. He slid up inside the bag, and lay against my chest, almost on top of me and just rested. I could feel my own cum drool onto my chest. Quietly, we both drifted off to sleep.
When we awoke next, the sun was hitting the tent, and the air inside was warm approaching hot. I shifted and was immediately aware of a full bladder. Craig stirred, smiled, and stretched.
"Oh, Man I feel goooood! I got to pee real bad" he said.
"Me too, hurry before I have an accident."
We little modestly, we quickly got up, grabbed yesterdays clothes, minus one sock, and walked very quickly to the bathroom. There were two urinals, side by side, and we pissed in unison.
"Man I could use a shower this morning. I wonder if you can pay to get one some place."
From that moment on, we were inseparable, and looking as some major life changing decisions. If you had told me I was going to fall in love one week ago, I would have called you a liar. If you would said it would be with a man, I would have shot you. You just never know what lies around the corner.
I know this story was long on plot and short on sex, but felt the build up was worth it. Is there enough for a next chapter? I can picture these guys going through some type of crisis together, their sex becoming more intimate, their bond strengthened. Send me your comments, suggestions, or just that it got you off to riverrat56@hotmail.com. Thanks for the feedback, it helps.