9.9.15 Wandering along Fort River Trail

The day was blindingly bright, out in the fields, as we approached the meticulously created For River Trail for everyone, including, for once, people in wheelchairs and people who are sight impaired. There is something mesmerizing about a trail all laid out, like a fairy tale, where you know

just where to put your feet, and where you will begin, and end.

 A small journey, prescribed, that brings you round corners, and cool shaded benches offering you rest, alongside turtles sunning themselves happily, and then dunking into the cool clean waters.

The expanse of forest, lime green, with sunlight dappled through the branches, 

skimming the forest floor.

All along the fields are tunnels and pathways of the wild creatures.

We walk past places we have only viewed from far on High Hadley Fields, peering across the expanse, wondering what lies over there. And finally, here we are; over there.

So many twists and turns, a solitary quiet meander, almost never meeting another as we follow the path and  boardwalks.

Far below lies the Fort River, streaming by, with elusive wildlife standing in the cold waters, feeding, bathing.

Every path inviting, each new ecosystem rich and fertile and 

a perfect neighborhood for all the wildlife. Somehow, this was planned and 

executed over three summers, the stolid building of this infrastructure,

built to last.