I'm always on the lookout for a new hiking hat. Sometimes I just don't know it.

Take today, for example.

I stopped into the Freeport General Store this afternoon on my way home from city to country. Needed a road soda to quench the thirst, don't you know. I stuff the change in my pocket, grab the bag and turn for the door. And there it is.

A rack full of baseball hats embroidered with "Life is Crap."

I break out into a belly laugh and damn near pee myself. The guy behind the counter gives me a big smile and laughs along with me.

"Ain't they great," he says.

Absolutely!

There's one with a dog peeing on a guy's leg instead of a fire hydrant. Another with a guy throwing his golf clubs into a pond.

I go for the one with an empty keg, a pile of red cups strewn around it, and a sign on it "Out of Beer."

$9.99. Hey, what's money?!

Carey Kish photo

Life is crap, indeed. Especially when you're out of beer.

Yeah, I'm sick, I know. You too, you say. Good deal. At least we understand each other.

Can't wait to hit the trail with my new hat...

Whaddaya say? You likes me new lid?