No Boundaries
“‘I like geography best,’ he said, ‘because your mountains and rivers know the secret. Pay no attention to boundaries.'”
Brian Andreas, Story People
The Appalachian Trail, known affectionately as the “AT,” is a foot path extending 2,194 miles between Georgia and Maine. Early spring to autumn is the season for “thru-hikers,” those adventurous souls who walk the full distance in one hike, which typically takes about 6 months to complete. “Section hikers,” those who piece this magnificent trail together in separate trips of varying lengths, can hike the trail year-round.
On a recent trip to Virginia, a friend and I decided to explore the Weverton Cliffs Trail, a hike along the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. The trail begins with a steep, rocky uphill climb. Small, medium and large pieces of broken boulders line the path. After a mile of continuous observation of my feet and one hiking pole guiding each carefully placed trail boot, we arrived at a fork. The familiar white blaze of the AT instructed us to turn left. Below this marker, a blue lettered sign showed an arrow pointing right, indicating it was only 2/10 of a mile to the Weverton Cliffs which overlook the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
As we walked the short distance, my mind prepared to see a great confluence of crashing falls and whipped up whitewater, full of conflict. After all, the Shenandoah emptied into the Potomac right here! Two great rivers, each with a rich history and boundaries to be respected. Competition and ideology were at stake.
Carefully stepping to the edge of the jagged slabs of rock, we looked down. Two rows of gentle ripples flowed peacefully, shore to shore, as if sharing a warm greeting in the calm waters. Lush green trees and shrubs lined the flow of water without a care. The rivers gently shifted direction as they merged from Maryland to Virginia to West Virginia. Two rivers, three states and nary a cross word or weapon drawn.
Mountains and rivers know no boundaries. A kinship abounds in the natural world. The very definition of kinship includes “of the same family” and “relationship by nature.” In this time of war, violence and isolation, may we find a way to notice what makes us kin. May we focus on learning the secret.
