I’m not one for crowds. Wading in amongst 35,000 people on a sandy venue just doesn’t appeal to me.

But it certainly appeals to lots and lots of other folks, and for that I am happy. I’m happy our hotels and restaurants and countless other businesses were swamped with customers. I’m all for it as long as I don’t have to be in the middle of it.

But I did do my little part to help out with the festival.

Zooming along Canal Road about 6:30 Monday morning I saw what I thought was a person in the fetal position beside the canal.

Now, I watch entirely too much Investigation Discovery. In my mind I could hear the narrator’s voice: “He left the Hangout Festival on Sunday night and was never heard from again.”

Couldn’t stop myself. I had to turn around and go make sure the individual was OK. I knew I was taking a chance. He could be lying in wait, he could wake up belligerent and start screaming and swinging.

Even worse still, he could no longer be with us.

Well, “Kellen with a ‘K’” from Knoxville, Tenn., was a smight bit startled, but no worse for the wear.

“No, I’m fine, dude, 'just got a little lost last night,” said my bleary-eyed new friend. “I was trying to find my friend’s hotel room and started walking and walking. Next thing I know, I was walking over the bridge at the Wharf. After I got over it, I realized it was the wrong way and came back over it.”

He headed west on Canal toward Gulf Shores and decided to take a nap before continuing on his way. That’s where I spotted him.

As I gave him a lift to the “BP by McDonald’s in Gulf Shores,” I hoped the firetruck, police car and ambulance speeding toward his former resting spot were not looking for him.

So ‘Kellen with a ‘K,’ thanks for visiting Gulf Shores and the Hangout Fest. We’re glad you came.

We’re even more glad you’re going home safe and sound.