Back in 2017 I had this crazy idea to create a column that would showcase the numerous travelers that pass through Fort Stockton every week and I titled it “Where Ya Headed?”. From baby buffalos to surfing dogs, it became a unique gumbo of weekly interviews. After a lengthy hiatus, I’m happy to announce that I’m finally bringing it back. However, I can’t move forward without telling you about a very unique traveler that recently slipped right through my fingers. Sunday, Sept. 17 I stopped at a local Kent Kwik for an energy drink with my coworker, Austin Hamilton, before our 12-hour shift at Digital Carpenters (25 MW Bitcoin Mining Facility). As we approached the drink coolers to make our selection, a man with silver hair and a white can of Monster Energy began to pick our brains about which brand was our favorite. “I love the way Monster tastes,” I admitted, “But the Bang brand is my go-to for when I really need to wake up.” We quickly swooped into small talk on how Monster sued Bang for false advertisement, won the lawsuit and then acquired the Bang brand. What a chess move. As we approached the register, the stranger told the cashier “I’ll cover their drinks.” He went on to reveal that his friends created Monster Energy and that his wife sits on the board of Directors for the company. With just a few minutes to spare before work, I knew I couldn’t pull out the journalist card without causing Austin and I to be late. So, I refrained, for the sake of holding an authentic conversation. The traveler, Doug, was headed back to California from Austin and went on to say that his friends recently passed away in a tragic submarine implosion. Does the OceanGate Titan ring a bell to you? Well, he’s been on that very submersible to visit the Titanic before and was slated for the next big dive. Doug divulged that the next expedition OceanGate had lined up for the Titan was to explore a batch of sunken Lamborghinis. I can’t make this stuff up. That’s the magic of “Where Ya Headed?”. You never know who’s traveling through Fort Stockton until you pause for a chat. Shortly after this encounter, we made it to work on time with a lot of caffeine and a little regret. “We should’ve at least got his last name or business card,” I muttered to Austin. But at least I got my clear sign to blow the dust off my journalist hat and bring back “Where Ya Headed?”