Well it's that time of year again. Time for picnics, swimming, bike rides and the buzz of cicadas high in the treetops. That sound in particular makes me think it will be especially sweltering. It's also the time of year when all of the slithering, scary reptilian creatures gather in the woods and determine the next course of action to scare the crap out of me.
Today it's warm, velvety warm. The morning sky was hazy with humidity and the building heat of the day. By 4 in the afternoon, we decided to take a bike ride on the trail and go for a dip in the river. Xander and I were well ahead of Sammy and Robert because the last bike excursion, I had to bring up the rear with a newly trained Sammy, weaving and significantly slowing the pace. Now, I have no issues with taking our time and enjoying the scenery, but when I have to manage my breathing and would like to generate some kind of breeze, I get a little impatient despite his cherubic face.
We arrived at Jackson's Landing and I immediately hopped into the cool and refreshing water of the river. Xander was in right behind me and Sammy and Robert came around the bend and soon joined us. In the middle of the river, just south of the bridge, there was an eddy that appeared to be a bit deeper than the surrounding waters. Making my way further back on the river, I thought of the trips to Tahquemenon Falls with my family when we would venture into the rapids despite all of the signs stating, "Dangerous currents and whirpools. No Swimming", yet The Smith Family would go upstream, lift our legs and let the current take us downstream. I decided to give it a try. It was fun and Robert and the kids followed suit.
We continued to play around in the river and greeted some passing tubists (who knows what the correct term is) and also watched a man take his dogs into the cool waters. It was a lovely way to spend a hot afternoon, but we needed to head back and finish up chores and prepare dinner. I decided to bring up the rear and give Robert a break. The ride was going along splendidly until we reached the "fork" where the trail splits and either continues northwest or east toward Alan G. Davis Park. See, this is where those little legless buggers came out to greet me, or rocket me off into a full blown panic attack. I suspect I left a burn mark in the pavement with the speed at which I pedaled my bike back home.
Why? Why do I see them? Was it a message because just this morning Pastor spoke about the first relationship in all creation? That it was Eve who was tempted by the serpent. I don't recall seeing that nasty little reptile tempting me with an iced latte or expensive perfume. Lord, I'm getting chills just typing about it! Honestly, I swear there is a conspiracy among those disgusting critters to make me come to terms with something in my life. I do know that I may run over a small child next time I am biking the trail because I will only look ahead and not down at the pavement. So parents be warned, if you hear a screaming banshee with a bicycle aflame, it is probably just me after an encounter with the legless kind.
No comments:
Post a Comment