Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Looking Down

So why do we even need such a thing ? I meen this isn't the Grand Canyon or even the New River Gorge. True enough, but we do have Hickory Creek here. To get into town from this side, one must somehow get across this natural barrier to travel. There is of course a road that makes the decent, crosses a bridge, and winds upward again. But this would not work out for a train. It could handle the down part I suppose, but that up stuff would cause a problem. And that is where this trestle shines. It may seem rickety, and may even sway and shake under the strain, but it is the only way to make an entire train pass though the air across the gorge.

There may be worse sounds that can come to the ear, but when one is on foot, halfway across one of these things the sound of an approaching train will sure get one's attention. I speak from experience. What if one is two thirds of the way ? Jumping is not an option. Should one run toward the nearest end, even if that is toward the train ? How does one run on cross-ties anyhow ? Very carefully I assure you. And don't look down.

2 comments:

The Lazy Iguana said...

Is kissing your ass goodbye an option?

I would try to run, or move as quickly as possible, to the nearest end. Or do the spider man thing and hang onto the supports under the tracks as a last resort.

How much time do you get once you hear the train before it gets to the bridge?

Jandi for The Fuzz said...

You have more time than you think you have, fortunately.