Discretion, valor and all that sort of thing

This was another case of where I was and where I wanted to be.

Remember my telling you about Oneonta Creek, the railroad track and the sluiceway? I had a nice walk around the park including finding the gate opening that leads to the trailhead. I was walking back and passed a fellow headed in the opposite direction. A little while later I turned around to see that he was on the opposite bank of the sluiceway.

How did he do it?

I walked back to have another look. He must have crossed this embankment. I really don't know what to call it. It isn't a dam because there are openings that allow the sluiceway to pass through. I suppose it might help divert the creek during floods. The paths on the opposite bank do indicate that people do cross it to get to the other side.

I was never that good at the balance beam in gym class. This was wider. I practiced on the side. I just couldn't do it. I was alone and although the fall wouldn't kill me, it might be awhile until someone found me. I took the long way around.

When I mentioned my walk to my husband, he said that he and my son had been across it. I was astonished, but I shouldn't have been we are a family of pedestrians. It was the shortest way to the commercial activity on the south side.

I have just asked my son. Yes, he has been across it. Yes, even when he was alone. I asked if he thought I made the right decision and he agreed. I shouldn't try it alone. I asked him if he would take me some day. He agreed.

So the generations have switched. I reflect on a time when my son was frustrated in not being able to get to the next level of the play structure. I helped him up until he could do it himself.