It has been years since I have been to the Gorge with my forever friend.
We used to go every Sunday and walk for at least three miles.
Coming back with him was such a strange experience.
Sort of deja vu. But not really.
We did not walk three miles.
Because my friend couldn't make that anymore.
We did notice how much the trail had changed, not necessarily for the best.
The trail was rockier. The sides of the trails were worn down. No sprouting greenery nor fungi.
The trail had been ravaged. From walking, running, ATVs, cars and trucks. I mean, really, why aren't these people using motors on wheels to go down the trail, walking?
Cars and wheeled vehicles did not always exist. How did people used to explore the trail?
It goes on for fourteen miles before it flattens out and ends with the river into a dam.
We still took pictures because that is what we have always done.
The light danced on the moving water.
The water bugs hovered over the rocks in the water.
The curls riding through the water contrasted the light from above with the motion of the river.
We sat by the water for awhile.
It was calming as it always has been.
Breathing the air.
And extending our health.
On the same level as everything else.
copyright 2026 Lyn Horton
