Mystery at Rock Springs
We found Rock Springs, or what little was left of it around dusk. Cotton was the crop and slaves picked it before yellow-fever and boll weevil killed the people and the town. There is a brick Methodist church still standing (built in 1837) and as we stood looking at it, I thought I heard a faint piano drifting down to us. I wasn’t sure I heard it. I felt it.
We decided to move on, but returned later, and found a teen couple alone in the dark wood sanctuary, playing a piano, whispering and laughing, alone together.
Through the rippled poured-glass windows I saw a cemetery and was moved to explore it. A broken iron fence led to dark pines dripping cloaks of gray Spanish Moss over ancient leaning lichened stones. I felt like I was stepping into a dream.
One stone read, Edna, died October 31,1868. Two days from now; The eve of All Saints Day; Halloween. Someone had put fresh artificial flowers on the stone very recently. She was 30 when she died. So long remembered. Who?
We met Bob and Claire on the Team Northwest Tandemonium ride over Sauvie Island mentioned on page 92.
Thanks for the memories, and the update on your own adventures. That last few days back to Sequim was bitter-sweet after more than a year on the road. We’ve never been the same; a good thing.
What a marvelous and beautifully descriptive article about a simply amazing woman – Karen Landis. I’ve had had the serendipitous experience to create and nurture a friendship with Karen after I underwent a hip replacement and three hip fractures and realized I needed to request the local “Meals on Wheels” service. And of course, if she didn’t have enough on her plate, Karen serves the Chino Valley community two days a week by delivering meals to people in my circumstance.
I loved Karen the first moment I met her. And when we started chatting I knew I had met a soul mate. I’ve been looking all my life for a role model, a hero, an amazing example of humankind. I don’t know if she realizes what an outstanding example she is of a strong, independent, intelligent, talented woman. Sometimes as women, we have a dentency to undervalue ourselves. But Karen, I want you to know you are the real deal. You are just so beautiful in your authenticity. And I a so appreciative of the value you have added to our environment by caring for the land and the animals under your watchful care. Your abilities and strength simply boggle my mind. And thank you for your loving service to me these past four months. You rock girl!