SOL Post by Barb Edler

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the Earth. –Henry David Thoreau

As I wandered a couple days ago, I noticed how everything really looked dead and was reminded of the derecho we had in June. It’s easy to see quite a few limbs down in the photo above. Some people near the cabins said they saw a funnel, but the damage done was attributed to a derecho.

This is the front of our yard last June after the storm. It was such a mess to clean due to the humidity, heat, and the enormous amount of May flies suffocating the fallen leaves.

I’ve noticed we have more derechos and wind. The river has also changed throughout the years.

I followed these tracks to the train trestle which is near the white sign on the right. Notice all the large limbs along the right side.

This photo is from the right side of the trestle. The water is stagnant with lots of dead tree limbs, slime, and teeming with frog cries. I sure would not want to dip my toes into it. Yikes!

Geese floating on the left side of the trestle. The river is not far behind them. Another poor photography attempt of bird life, but the geese are gorgeous and love to be heard. Many times, cars have to slow for geese crossing along the road I live on.

This sandy uprising is directly below the center of the train trestle. Of course, people are not supposed to be on the trestle. The angle of the photo is deceiving. I’m afraid of heights so I did not move to the very edge of this. The drop off is far greater than it appears. I’d say at least ten feet if not more.

Years ago, I jumped off this trestle into the water below, but a bit further to the right. I can still remember that incredible drop and deep plunge into the water without ever touching the bottom. I don’t think that would be the same experience if I chose to do something like that today.

The sand has appeared due to environmental changes. The water here is also toxic according to a person who lives near here, a consequence of industrial waste that’s not even close to this place. He shared that tidbit when he heard some of us had jumped off the trestle. I’m sure this was a stupid thing to do at the time, but my son encouraged me and told me how much fun it was which it kind of was, but I still can’t believe I even attempted that stunt.

This cabin is to the left of the tracks and close to the train trestle. Most of the cabins along the river are very nice, but this area is a blend of squalor and wealth just like some cities. I wouldn’t be surprised if in another year or two, something brand new could be built here.

                  uprooted, poisoned
                          striving, just like me,
                                       to breathe

        Barb Edler, 15 March 2024