As the Trail Narrows
As the Trail Narrows
by Mickey Cecil
Life is often too busy and hectic for us to enjoy some of life’s most simple pleasures. We always have work to finish, chores to do or errands to run. Technology in its efforts to make life easier often complicates the day by involving us in gadgets such as answering machines, pagers, fax machines, cellular phones, computers, etc… Often, field trips can help one find more than just rocks.
I always find myself excited when I can arrange some of that precious time for our field trips. Going to Franklin, N.C. a couple of years ago was no exception. After scheduling time off from work, finishing the yard work, and packing in a mad rush to get on the road, we finally left heading west on I-10. Interstates are like the working days of our lives. They are highly efficient in their tasks, but in the process they supply very little enjoyment. You can cruise at 70 or more mph on these 4-lane divided highways knowing that this is the fastest way to get to your destination. Missing life’s flavor along the way is expected. You then drop out of warp drive on the next road that is usually a state or federal 4-lane highway. The pace slows to 55 mph and you get a better view of the landscape and towns, but often there is still too much traffic and speed to really enjoy the sights. This less hectic pace is reminiscent of many of my weekends. When you hit the 2 lane county roads, the pace slows to 40-50mph. Now on vacation, you see that old beautiful farm house, the breathtaking mountain views, the peach and produce stands by the roadsides, the deer feeding in the morning sun, and even Barney driving 30 mph to get his morning cup of coffee down at Aunt Bee’s. A moment of anxiety reminds you that slowing down is now the point. When you turn again, you’re on those asphalt and gravel single lane roads. The pace now is slow, and the view narrows on these tree-canopied lanes. You’re now given a chance to completely relax, focus, and spend time with family and friends or by yourself in a setting that is always beautiful. If you are truly lucky and the trail narrows to a footpath, you can set out on foot up the mountain. Now, you can hike up the trail to your destination listening to footsteps on the loose rocks, heavy breaths as you ascend the steep mountain trail, and the piercing shriek of the hawk soaring 200 yards overhead. The wind blowing through the forest trees and then the dripping sweat and rain off the brim of your hat provide pure tranquillity. At this time, there is finally enough peace and quiet that one can not only find beautiful rocks but also oneself.
As the group collected staurolite at Brasstown, garnets and kyanite on Mason Mountain, items of interest at the Franklin shows, and memories for our life, I realize that the search often ends as the trail narrows.