I LOVE my town, Erie, PA! I can't help it-- the thought bursts through me every single time I walk the Peninsula. I started my strolls there back in August and the beauty is mesmerizing no matter the day's weather or season.
This summer, my daughters and I were captivated by the varying reactions from fellow walkers, runners and bike-riders. We revisit these responses regularly...mostly while convulsed in giggles.
If you've walked Presque Isle on any sunny day during the warm months you'd already realize that the Karl Boyes multipurpose trail is exactly that, multi-purpose. This is a shared path, with equal privilege given to all. There is a courtesy reminder painted on the walk every so often asking all to KEEP RIGHT. For those who travel...well, faster than I (ie, bike riders, roller bladers, skate boarders, and anyone jogging even at a snails pace,) the word seems to have secretly spread that you are to say, "ON YOUR LEFT," to let me know you are approaching behind me. There's an element of excitement that is inherent in the fact that I will be run over if I don't move. I truly appreciate the relish with which some announce this phrase, a sort of giddy power that I have no problem respecting. This "On your left" is not posted anywhere to my knowledge- therefore, a huge Congratulations to the verbal trendsetter who made it wildly popular!
I've also noticed a genuine joy emanating from those bike riders who like to use their bell to alert us that we are about to be speed bumps if we choose to not share the path. My teen-aged daughter and I delighted in the bikers who were prepped and ready to ring the bell with the lever in position, fingers quivering with anticipation to let it RIIIING...when we hear them coming and move over before their arrival. The let-down of the moment is announced in the deflated "ting" as they depress the lever and utter a sad and unnecessary, "on your left" as if we'd just stolen their glorious, metallic punch-line.
Then there are the wonderfully gleeful "Good morning!," "Beautiful day today," and "Hello"'s that highlight what a pleasant microcosm of our town's friendliest folks I am sharing the walk with. Of course these greetings have offered their share of mirth based on the level of exertion said greeter is in whilst exercising. A+ for effort to the perspiring runner who tried extending a "Good morning" which morphed into a breathy, croaked out "Meeahh" with a two fingers raised in a tired salutation. I could only giggle because my level of breathing was barely challenged at my slowpoke pace.
There is a sense of comradery, civility, and kindness that seems to be inspired by the beautiful environment. And it's no wonder, the panoramic view of Erie's skyline is stretched along views of an ever changing Bay. At times I'm energized by the stark white clouds that invade the bluest of skies over top choppy waters that reach up to tempt birds that dare fly so low. In contrast there have been moments that seem to have read my mood and offer serenity in the mist that hovers over tranquil waters which lap the low stones in a soothing effort to offer compassion. With all this beauty in one tiny corner of this place I call home- I recognize how blessed I am to have been raised here and returned years later to raise a family. I LOVE my town <3
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