Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Ghost Traveler

The trails behind my house lead into wilderness. Usually, as I trek well-known routes, I'm alone with my thoughts, only encountering animal tracks or small critters as I move through the forest. Recently, I saw someone in the distance as I steadily climbed upward. He was bent over a full pack, rearranging his gear. He didn't hear me approaching. I called out to him when I was quite close so he wouldn't be startled. As he turned to face me, I took in his appearance - old-fashioned wool pants sharply creased, stylish cable knit sweater tucked under red suspenders, and heavy newsboy cap with ear flaps pulled snugly over tousled blond hair. Ancient wooden touring skis, polished to a luster, were stuck into the deeper snow just off the trail. With his boyish good looks, he could have stepped right out of a photo shoot for a fashion mag or perhaps an ad for LLBean. It flashed into my mind that I'd crossed a time warp and was back in the late 1800's. But the spell was broken when he smiled broadly and asked if I knew the trail. Could I tell him where he was headed? I thought perhaps he was going for an overnight at Francies Cabin, a back country hut that's accessed from the trail we were traveling. But, no - he was just heading into the wilderness. Would he pitch a tent or build a snow cave to spend the night? I didn't ask, but as I waved goodbye my mind was already making up stories about who he was, where he'd acquired his dated gear, why he was alone on the trail, and what his fate would be. A meeting of a few minutes can entertain me for days.

ghost traveler
will I see you again
shouldering your pack
gliding effortlessly into wilderness
perhaps returning to that long ago time
from whence you came

I wish you safe journey

23 comments:

  1. Wonderful description of the backpacker you encountered. I can visualize him perfectly. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. It's nice to meet you, too.

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  2. oh, i'd have loved to follow this man to find out more!

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  3. A delightful encounter...
    I often tell myself stories about the travels of my birds. When the Spring migrators come I listen to their chatter....I am sure they are telling me all about their winters in South America.
    Sherry

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  4. Wow what a story. Doesn't it just make you feel so cool to have such an experience happen to you out of nowhere. I've decided you are my One Good Thing today Barb because it has been the day from hell sorry heck. I needed a pick me up and your story did just that. So thank you ever so much. Carol

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  5. Oh, I admire your restraint. I'm afraid I would have questioned him relentlessly:-)

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  6. I do love a man who takes care of his things!
    Please let us know if you see him again, Barb.

    I love this story!
    Now you have my imagination all fired up.

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  7. Quite the looker Barb, I can see why you were so interested. He's a cute little fellow. Somewhat mysterious as well! Love Di ♥

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  8. Ya had me right there on the trail with ya'll. Now you've got my imagination workin' overtime.

    Love the snap of your furry little companion there.

    God bless and have a wonderful day sweetie!!!

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  9. Like Sandy said - let us know if you see him again. Great to let the mind wander into some writing. I really should write about the gentlemen who ran past me barefoot on the bike trail the other day... in the snow!!!xo teri

    PS Barb- just a little note to say your words and presence have such a calming influence on me. It is a strange thing I know - but thank you.

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  10. Look at you getting all fancy with the photos -- love it!

    All I can think to say is, be careful on the trail, Barb. I know, I watch too many true crime shows.

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  11. Thanks for introducing us to some of the "characters" you meet!

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  12. Good post, Barb. Your writing makes me feel like I was there.

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  13. Sounds quite the bewitching vision indeed!

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  14. I love encounters like that. It can keep me going for days.

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  15. A lovely story!

    And what a cute squirrel...

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  16. You paint a fine image with your words.. and a great snap with your camera.

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  17. It reminds me of the comment of an elderly friend some years ago. She remembered an oddly dressed visitor to her parish church. "We never saw him again, do you suppose that was an angel?". Nice entry on your blog. Thanks.

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  18. fun story, and i love your squirrel buddy :) what a look!

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  19. Chance encounters let the mind wander. A whole story can be created out of a moment.

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  20. What a wonderful encounter. Nicely illustrated through your words.

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  21. What a vivid picture-I can feel the cold! Wonderful poem!

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  22. How intriguing! You write a wonderful story about him :-)

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  23. although this has nothing to do with your wonderful beautiful story, there are times hubby and I will be at dinner somewhere and we start stories about other couples, got the idea from "Date Night" which made me belly laugh! It can be very entertaining sometimes. lol

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Your comments are always one good thing for me!