Creeping Along

I checked off one event on my bucket list, and did it without sore muscles or open wounds, a blessing in itself! I went bicycling down the Virginia Creeper Trail, and wow, what an autumn experience. Note I didn't use the word fall, not a word to use when describing a bicycle trip down the side of a mountain. 

That's me with my Florida friend, Sara, who makes a yearly pilgrimage to see the colors the trees bless us with here in western North Carolina. We're at the edge of one of thirty-five bridges along the trail. It was once a train trestle, and therein is the history connection I so love.

In the early 1900's the Virginia-Carolina Railroad was constructed to transport logs from timber operations on the mountainsides to the mills in the lower levels. It was also the life line for local passengers heading out of the hills, and for materials brought to sell in the few stores that cropped up along the path. Because of the steep incline and slow going around curves, the train was forced to creep both up and down the high hills, hence the name Virginia Creeper. Because of economic collapse, the train's last run was March 31, 1977. 

I was interested to come upon one of the stops, a station a few miles into the ride. Fortunately for posterity, but not for the storeowner, the general store in the station was left intact, owner walking out and leaving everything as it was that last day in 1977. It is there, as it was that day, a moment in time frozen for us history buffs to view. Unfortunately for today's pilgrims along the trail, however, the CoVid Corona Virus safety guidelines forced the station to be padlocked against germs and pilgrims. 

I did hit a lucky streak. I happened upon the station when the forest rangers were checking it out. They refused to allow me to step in, but I stood at the door and took a photograph. For posterity.

Through hard work to accomplish the impossible, volunteers converted this bit of heaven (I'd bet some bit of hell during drastic weather events) from rail to footpath. It is now open for hiking and nonmotorized vehicles. In fact the Appalachian Trail piggybacks for several miles. 

Some people chose to hike or bike ride up. Not me. I went down. I crept down is more like it. Never did I have to pedal uphill, although toward the end of the eighteen miles, the trail went through flatlands and I found myself pedaling more and more. 

There were too many scenic views to capture along the trip down the mountain, after all, we're talking leaf peeping season. 

We came upon a beaver dam complete with sign telling us it was a beaver dam. Otherwise, I would have mistaken it for a log jam.

Thanks to the forward thinking of several visionaries, this trail is now a precious national treasure. Its preservation guarantees this slice of beauty will exist for generations to come. Meanwhile, if you are so inclined, check out Damascus, Virginia and all the varied bicycle rentals. Along with the bicycles, they supply helmets and a bottle of water. They drive clients to a drop-off point at Whitetop Station, a thirty minute van ride away, uphill, and bang, you're off on an unimaginable trip, downhill all the way. 

My friend and I went with Blue Blazes, a company recommended by several people who have gone before, but there are many others, believe me. They will close November first, but reopen after the winter in March.

Well worth the thirty-four dollars we spent.

Catch of the day,

Gretchen

Democracy Heroes

 During this age of corona I have been cautious about being out and about since I my doctor reminded me I am in the "at risk" population. That doesn't mean I stayed home. Far from it. When the gym where I was a member closed its doors, my husband and I took up walking, a good social distancing exercise. We hiked in places not on my radar a year ago. Fortunately the golf course where I am a member remained open and we walked the course. There were a few rule adjustments, like no touching flags in the greens or no raking sand traps. (No hitting out of sand traps, either...as if I was upset). We walked the course to avoid touching golf carts others might have used. 

Meanwhile the world went on. Medical professionals saved lives. Educators taught my grandchildren online. Garbage collectors showed up on a regular schedule, as did the newspaper deliver man. People adapted and kept going best they could. My daughter's job in a veterinary clinic required adaptations as well. Meet my beautiful daughter:

She's a hero. She shows up to work every day despite all the threats around her. In fact, all those professions I listed above are made up of heroes in our time. I've driven past various establishments decorated with lawn signs reading "Heroes work here." Yes they do.

And there I am. Hunkered down. I never felt like a hero... 

Until this past week when I went to election training for poll judges. I've held this position for several election cycles, and didn't hesitate when I was asked to do it again this year, despite CoVid. I sucked it up and decided this evil virus would not hold me back from doing my civic duty. The training manuals assured us all steps imaginable have been taken to keep us safe...social distancing, face masks, face shields, plexiglass between us and the voters. The voter is even given an ink pen to keep, no seconds on touching the pens.

The Board of Elections director called us judges "Democracy Heroes." My shame at all those times I felt like I wasn't doing my part faded away. Those who will work the polls on November 3 and during early voting in the weeks before are definitely heroes. 

Despite all the risks, people will show up to vote. Hallelujah! And we will be prepared. I hope they wear masks, but in case they show up bare-faced, we will not turn them away. We will offer them a mask, but in the end, we will not deny anyone the right to vote. 

On election day when you walk past campaigners keeping their fifty foot distance from the polls, or before that even when you see signs for various candidates placed by dedicated party workers, know they are participating in one of the greatest creations humankind has come up with. From sea to shining sea, officials are in the process of preparing for this year's election, and while I can't speak for any other precinct, our little place in the world will be ready. 

I can proudly now join in to say,

"Heroes work here."

Catch of the day,

Gretchen