A certain bird has been following me up the Trace. It rattles into trees. Sometimes, I catch a glimpse of a red head or streaks of white.
A woodpecker.
I don’t know what kind.
It was loudest around Sunken Trace, a fissure in the earth formed by the unique soil conditions along the Natchez Trace ridge line. How many buffalo herds stampeded through this junction? What Native Americans hid in the trees and picked them off with bow and arrow? Did boatmen trod this path? Or did they avoid the highwaymen who lurked along its edges?
Did an explorer show a little girl how to track a woodpecker there?
When the air is still, I can almost hear them, creeping along to the beat of a woodpecker beak.
Click here to see the best photos from Day Five of my Natchez Trace 444-mile walk:Â Andra Watkins Tumblr
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You can finish the book before I’m done walking. To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis is available in paperback and e-book formats at these great places: Click to Purchase To Live Forever.
And now, for today’s Reader Question………….
57 Comments
I can imagine the quiet with a lone bird moving through the trees. Beautiful. I have a question and maybe you said it before and I missed it. How long does it take you to walk the 15 miles?
I’m sorry I combined this question with Nancy’s, John. I will do something by video to make it up to you.
Don’t worry I’m good.
Cindy Duryea, who lives across the street from me, loaned me your book and as a retired American History teacher, I am thoroughly enjoying it! Good luck on your venture!
Judy, thanks for letting me know. Cindy and Ed are such great people.
You made a bird friend on your walk. Just remember, it is the endorphins making you loopy when the bird starts talking to you.
No talking to me. Yet.
But the real question is, did you draw a picture of it in your journal?
I can’t draw. No talent in that direction whatsoever.
Maybe, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhRhFyu-Bs No? 🙂
🙂
Coolness. What a lovely bird. Glad to know that you’re making friends along the way. It seems rather Disney-esque, doesn’t it?
Parts of it do, yes.
I was just going to say what Ally Bean said! LOL! Now you have to write a picture book about your walk and include the woodpecker!
Ooooooo, what a GREAT idea!
I hope to get some sort of book out of this experience. So far, I’m too exhausted to piece anything together in my head.
I love that about hikes in wilderness areas … the quiet allows you to hear so much more.
People definitely miss a lot driving the Trace in a car.
OMG! The bird thing is downright EERIE. You are a spirit walker, Andra.
I’m counting on it, Jessie. May they never desert me.
I couldn’t help thinking about Saturday morning cartoons and another woodpecker. I hated that guy.
I did, too.
Keep on trekking through that beautiful scenery, Andra. How are those feet? Do you listen to music along the way and if so what music? 🙂
Feet are loving the rest today. I can’t listen to anything with earbuds, as I need to be able to hear cars coming in both directions on the road. The music of nature is what I get, but so far, it hasn’t disappointed.
Keep on going….so glad it’s you:)
I’m glad it’s me, too, Roger. 🙂
The first thing that came to mind was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 suspense/horror film “The Birds” which scare the bejeebers out of me as a little kid. Enjoy your hike today….
Still scares the bejeebers out me – and I’m an old, old, old kid.
That movie would scare anybody.
I’m back from Atlanta and catching up on my reading. Just reblogged your Contest post on my page. that said, I hope no one else enters so that I can win. 🙂
It is tempting not to share it, isn’t it?
I hope your aching feet are bearing down and hanging in there.
They’re appreciative of the rest today, Lance.
Oh my Andra, I am so envious! What beautiful photographs. After reading your book (WHICH I TOTALLY LOVE – GOING TO BUY IT FOR STOCKING STUFFERS FOR MY FAMILY), it means oh so much more. I’m struggling with words in regard to the reviews – I mean hell, you can only say Awesome so many freaking times…I need to get a more eloquent vocabulary. I’ll get it – I just want it to be done to the best of my ability. Hope you’re doing well. You look damn cute with those pink cheeks of yours…and that area looks way out of the way. Stay safe my friend.
Thanks for sharing the book with so many, Lori. Every share is another possible reader.
Lovin’ the photos, Andra, the questions, hearing your answers, and your book!
Glad you’re enjoying all of it, Penny.
I would be so excited to see this sunken portion and to imagine the way it was created. Because of your excellent adventure, I’m re-reading “The Devil’s Backbone,” a book about the Trace I read decades ago. I went to the library and fished it out. I told you I’m with you in your back pocket. Love the “floating” book! oxo
It is sort of scary that the Trace is called the Devil’s Backbone………..
I want that cafe! It has the look! Most excellent.
It was in the movie “The Help” if you saw it.
I think I’ve heard of it, but know I’ve never watched it.
I want that pie! Maybe the bird is the supposedly extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker. Or maybe it'[s the Good Lord bird!
I think the woodpeckers are the red-headed variety.
I am enjoying your journey and daily questions, Andra (and the book!). Where are you sleeping at night?
I’ll answer your question with a video, Donna.
Glad that bird is keeping you company. Keep on truckin’!
Will do, Laura.
The woodpecker is fine, just don’t run across a wild boar.
Ha. The Ranger down near Natchez laughed when he told me I might see bears and wild boars…………
Nice that you have a little company! I’ve always liked woodpeckers.
Me, too.
“What kind of woodpecker?” Are you kidding me? Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeldv48RGv8
just watch your step, dear – He’s packing a mean sledgehammer. You’ll hear him coming, though because he’ll do that stupid laugh before he starts swinging.
I always hated that laugh.
♥ Listen !
woody is in love with you
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