Thursday, June 12, 2008

Something real special at Lake Merriweather

I know this is two posts about bike trips in a row, but please bare with me. Until last week, I really had not ridden a bike in, let's say, 14 years. On Memorial Day, the young adults of our church had the opportunity to go to the coast. We took a boat ride to Black Beard Island. I think that is the right name. If that is not its name, it should be. On that trip, I trekked into the island and around its paths. I know other people have been there (it was a path after all), but I still felt a little closer to nature and peace with myself.

While riding back from the library today, I saw a dirt road and took it. In just a short while I knew I was on to something special. The path split into several different paths. Paths that I will be going back to try later. For now, I stayed on the main course.

The path opened up onto a big man made pond. I would say bar pit, but this is the nicest bar pit I have ever seen. The area becomes very hilly (real word) and rises in some areas to create mini cliffs above the water. There are paths all around the bar pit and it looks like a dirt bike trail with big hills were sculpted out as well.

Due to articles of clothing, beer bottles, and abandoned coolers, I know this place is no secret from the kids and the party people. Somehow my brain has held on to the idea of discovery and the dream that something could be new. In other words, my heart felt like I had discovered the place regardless of how many people had been there before. In your mind, hear the kid opening his presents in "Christmas Story." A big hill, "oh boy, that's mine." An old bridge, "oh boy, that's mine."

The trip was eventually tainted by a couple of young ladies who apparently drove out there for some under age drinking/smoking. I continued on my path with a little bit of resentment. They were proof that this place did not belong to me exclusively.

Still, I invite you all to my new secluded get away in the heart of Pooler. I have dubbed it Lake Merriweather.

3 comments:

Kasey said...

I think that even though kids go back there to drink and smoke, they probably take in the scenic view as well. In high school, our hang out was this guy's tree farm and it was quite lovely. I am glad you are exploring Pooler. Adults rarely get the opportunity to explore anymore.

Kirsten said...

I'm glad you're having fun on your bike like a young schoolboy. I think it's cute that you're excited about your discoveries.

jj said...

I love reading your stories-- and I have to agree about the serenity of riding your bike and "discovering" the nature around you. I find it quite peaceful to be by myself outside, until rotten teenagers happen to come along.

Speaking of bike rides--the other day, I went bike riding on a borrowed bike. It had a child's seat, which cut into my rear, but otherwise it was fine. However, about a block later, I got so tired. I thought it could just be the fact that I'm woefully out of shape, but really. A block? I later found out, after slogging through several blocks in the heat (my cousin Julianna had to have a snowcone), that both the front and rear tires on my bike were flat. No wonder--though I still think I'm out of shape.