My Summer Vacation - Burned Scalp

ruddy head
Originally uploaded by dangunderman.

The missus and I went on vacation, and all I got was this lousy sunburned head.

The photo washes out the ruddiness somewhat, but rest assured, my bald head is effectively burnt.

I've often said that burning your head is something you do exactly once. It's a mistake you just won't repeat.

Unless you're in California. For the bulk of the nine days we were there, I was vigilant about the sunscreen. Seriously, I burned my head once years ago and swore it would never happen again. I burn easily anyway, so I just lather up the SPF-50 Ultra Sweatproof, and I'm good to go.

Well, after days of surviving sightseeing, shadeless hikes, and outdoor weddings, it was a brunch that finally did me in. The morning of the day we came back, we went to a post-wedding brunch at the home of the bride's family. Boy, they're lovely people. But I'd made the mistake of assuming it would be an indoor affair. I'd also made the mistake of trusting that northern California cloud-cover to stick around. And then there was the mistake of succumbing to vanity. I'd bought a new pair of sunglasses, and they just didn't match the baseball cap I had with me. Stupid vanity.

About halfway through the brunch I knew I was in trouble. I kept trying to find shade, but by then it was too late. Plus, in our hour-long effort to say goodbye to people, I managed to spend another hour in the sun during the sunniest sun of the Sunday. Standing around with my hands on top of my head provided little relief. I had to remove them during the goodbye hugs. Stupid hugs.

The trip was good, by the way, and I'm sure you'll read and see more. But while boarding the red-eye last night, I realized that my bald head had beat my eyes to the punch.

Although I managed to get a sunburn on my eyeballs, too. But that will be a story for another day, dear B&E readers.