The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt
If you've been following my running journal, you're well aware that I spend a good
deal of time on this trail. It's beautiful, it's quiet, it's my escape from the world.
Hardly a soul walks this path, something I have a hard time believing. But the absence
of other people and any sound but wind, birds and crickets simply gives me a chance to
listen to my feet hitting the crushed gravel in an easy rhythm.
Out of the apartment and down Charlotte Street we go. I'm no fan of Fredericton,
but I'll admit to its lovely setting.
A few years ago the city decided to convert the kilometre-long old train bridge
across the Saint John River into a pedestrian bridge. What a success! I love
running across on this bridge at the crack of dawn, when steam is rising from the river,
the sun is coming up over the horizon, and the only sound is my feet padding on the
wooden deck.
Built by the city this summer (2001), and a major pit-stop on my long runs.
Although you can't see it, there's a small lumber mill on the left.
The air is always laden with the smell of cedar - very refreshing on a run.
After crossing the Nashwaak River in Marysville, the trail picks up again by the
Marysville Heritage Centre. It's always so quiet here.
Just past the Heritage Centre the trail crosses through a field that, until last
year, was a cow pasture. The Nashwaak, which is quite wide and shallow by this point,
meanders off to the right.
This is always a breathtaking sight: in spring when the leaves are a fresh green,
in summer when every shade of green comes out, and in autumn when the leaves change.
I am so lucky to be able to see this almost every day.
One of my favoure sections of the trail. After the section through the field,
the trail enters the forest along the Nashwaak. This part is always dappled in
sunlight and looks like something out of a fairy tale.
A long straight section that,to everyone else I've spoken to, is interminable
and boring. For me, it's running heaven. There's actually a small grade to this
part, which means that keeping a strong pace on a long run can be quite a challenge
.
Another one of my favourite sections. The trees hang over the trail and the sound
of my feet resonates among them. I feel like I'm entering a cathedral every time
I run through here.
Crossing over the Nashwaak Bridge again, then rejoining the main trail at the
cabin.
And back home! Chickie and Koshka are waiting at the door for me, or in the
windows (upper right corner).
