Flush all you want

Not long ago, I was visiting a state park on water restrictions. Well, it had No water.

California has very little to spare, so I understand the lack of water and this park is very remote.  Needing to use the facilities, I follow the signage down a well tended paved path with decorative foliage marked with descriptive information about each  one. Lovely to be educated on the way to the  bathroom . Doubt I'll remember any the names, and why are they on this path? If you're heading down to the toilets, you're usually in a hurry. No time to be memorizing which plant takes the least amount of water to live and its true Fauna name.

I see my destination up ahead of me, cleverly designed to blend into the landscape of the western town of Bodie. There is also signage explaining this is a waterless facility. All the toilets and sinks are porcelain and brand new.

My stall neighbor starts muttering to herself, then  addresses her waiting friend. . .
"Helen, I can't get this  darn toilet to flush!"
Helen:   "Flush all you want Jean . These are pit toilets."
Jean:     "No! They can't be! I don't use pit toilets!"
Helen:   "I think it's too late Jean. Come out"

Now we are all out at the sinks. Keep in mind these are also waterless. There are sanitizer dispensers on the wall. No water. No paper towels.  I am very amused by this gal. She is truly upset. Nearing hysteria. . . sad that I find such humor in others little situations.

Jean: "Oh my God! I can't believe I just used a pit toilet!!" I never want to use one again."

Helen and I are smiling at each other. Now Jean is trying to wash her hands. The sinks still have a faucet but no knobs. She's waving her hands under it and around in circles trying to get it to come on like the automated ones at Disneyland.

Jean: "This bathroom is crazy! Now the faucet doesn't work!"

I point to the sign that designates this as a waterless bathroom and the hand sanitizer hanging next to the faucet.

Now Jean says, "Oh heavens! This is just awful!!! I need WATER and lots of it to wash my hands!!!!"  She fills her hands with a half cup of sanitizer and looks around for a paper towel. Not finding that, she curses and declares she is in HELL and they need to leave immediately!

Doubt the city girl will be visiting the country any time soon again! This is when a pack of baby wipes and bottled water comes in handy. At least you don't have to worry about the toilet clogging.