Autumn Hiking, Part 1.

Hi everyone on this cool, windy October day.  But it’s not raining today at least.  This is actually good weather for hiking.  Got a great idea for a hike, I said to Dad.  Right, Dad replied.  It’s an old town site and we can practically drive to the spot, I continued.  I’ve heard that before, said Dad.  Plus it’s a new area that we haven’t searched for insulators, I added.  That got Dad’s attention.  Let’s see the map, said Dad.  Here, we can drive in on this old road.  Hmm, might be possible, provided that road is still usable, Dad added. 

The next morning the sun was shining brightly, not a cloud in sight.  It was a bit frosty but was supposed to warm up.  We got everything we needed and off we went.  The road was still there and though a bit rough in places, we could still drive it okay.  A bit bouncy, I said.  Dad just sort of mumbled something.  Suddenly the road ended.  Guess we park here and  walk a bit past those trees, I said.  Dad looked.  I don’t think he believed me.  But it was a nice walk through tall pines over fairly flat rocky terrain.

Almost there, I said cheerfully.  I hope so, said Dad, we’ve been walking for an hour now.  Doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, I said.  Dad was silent. There had been several flocks of geese flying high overhead.  A pileated woodpecker was pounding away on a dead pine, looking for her breakfast.  The sun shone brilliantly through the trees illuminating the various yellows, golds and reds of bushes providing splashes of color among the dark green of the pines.

Then I heard the sound of a train.  Almost there, I called out to Dad who had fallen back a bit.  I decided to wait for him. Over this way, I pointed, and off I went through some undergrowth.  Dad followed.  Suddenly Dad yelled.  He claimed I let go of a branch which hit him in the face, knocking his hat and glasses off.  You shouldn’t follow so close, I reminded him.  BONEHEAD!, he said.  Well, at least he’s enjoying himself.

I’ll help you look for your glasses, I said.  NO!, said Dad.  Odd.  He bent over to pick up his glasses.  I went over to pick up his hat.  AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!  I turned around.  Dad was lying on the ground.  Getting tired?, I asked.  He said I pushed him when I went to retrieve his hat.  I think he tripped and didn’t want to admit it.  There it is, I pointed.  There is what?, asked Dad, I don’t see anything.  Down there, I said.  About 100 feet down this rock hill was the train I heard. 

We just need to go down this hill and across that little creek and we’re almost there, said I.  Almost?, questioned Dad.  Well, we have to walk down the tracks a bit to the town site, I replied.  Dad just looked down this hill.  Rather steep, he said.  We should be able to do it okay, I said.  It’ll be worse coming back up, Dad added.  Minor detail, I said.  Muffin is sleeping again.  Good thing to do on these cool autumn days.  Part 2 coming soon.  I hope you all have a great day and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

© 2019 Steve McLeod.