Free Tales of a Trail of Life by Ann Graham Page A

and
purchased a home in her hometown, she moved back and today she and her newly
purchased bicycle are beginning a new trail in her life. She and Mother Nature
are going to get to know each other once again. Ashley was a tomboy in her
youth and now a tom senior in her early senior years.
     
    The Myers Historical Society
restoration of the local train depot is Ashley’s departure point and since this
is her first ride on the old railroad bed, she will only venture a few miles
out before turning around for the return trip. From the very first mile she saw
her hometown in a way she never has before. Walking the rails as a youth was
forbidden and now the vistas are breathtaking.
     
    Three miles from town the Valley
Viaduct loomed into view. How many thousands of times did her parents and later
herself behind the wheel drive under that large cement and steel structure? It
offered a spectacular view of the narrow gorge and of the roadway below. Ashley
leaned her bicycle over on its kickstand and reminisced about her old bicycle
left behind on the farm over a half century ago. She was feeling so
accomplished on her first day on the trail and three miles on her bicycle
odometer so far.
     
    Standing there, Ashley’s mind was
reminiscing while looking down into the gorge and rock strewn river below. She
was one with nature and her memories of her youth and teen years. “Hello, great
day,” a voice boomed. Ashley was so startled she couldn’t acknowledge a reply.
The man apologized for scaring her and in her embarrassment she foolishly
concocted a story about hearing a noise below and possibly seeing a bear in the
undergrowth and that he didn’t scare her.
     
    He didn’t have time to continue with
a conversation. Ashley mounted her bike and began riding to her intended goal
of 4 miles out before returning to Myers.  Once out of view she began hissing
at herself for such a childish story she made up. Why not just admit that he
startled her. What’s the big deal? Obviously it was her stubborn pride.
     
    When she reached the graded crossing
not too much further she began her return journey hoping that the fellow was
long gone. There was something about that fellow’s voice that sounded familiar
but she couldn’t place it. Maybe it was a store owner in town.  Thankfully he
was nowhere to be found. After pulling into the depot she quickly mounted her
bicycle on the special rack she purchased for the back of her SUV and sat down
on a bench and reviewed her special first day on the trail.
     
    Later that evening March 2 nd ,
she entered congratulatory comments in her journal on her milestone she
achieved that day. An eight mile bicycle ride and a little notation about a
fellow trail rider startling her on the bridge and causing her to act like an
immature teenager. Plus she jotted a notation about his familiar voice.

Chapter
Three
     
    Weather kept Ashley off the trail for
a few days but a sunshine morning greeted her and before you could count your bicycle
spokes she and her new friend met up again. The trail was a little damp but her
spirit was soaring high and dry. Today she wants to increase her distance to
the next trail head at Chance.  Chance is just before the long tunnel that was
cut through the mountain in the early 1900’s to allow rail passage.
     
    The tires on the dampened trail sang a
soft message and within an hour she was at the Chance trailhead and a welcomed
sight of a large his/hers porta potty. The echo chamber of the porta potty
persuaded her to sing a verse of an old 50’s rock tune. It was a good hearty
version and she was once again embarrassed by a voice on the men’s side of the
potty singing his version. She quickly headed toward her bike to make a quick
getaway but it was too late.
     
    The male singer exited the potty while
still adjusting his trousers. “It’s you,” he said. I didn’t know if I would
ever see you again. Please forgive me for the other day when I startled you.”
Ashley