As I am training to walk the 800-kilometre Camino de Santiago in Spain this fall, I have had the opportunity to walk the rail trail in sections from Coldstream to Winfield. Walking this trail several times a week since March has given me an opportunity to experience the trail and its travellers. Perhaps the following comments will be of some value to trail users.
One of the most rewarding experiences for me has been encountering other individuals and groups along the way and making eye contact and exchanging a, “Good morning,” and a smile. This acknowledgement of others is a common courtesy and a way to share the enjoyment of the trail. Surprising to me, there are some who prefer to avoid eye contact and don’t appear interested in exchanging greetings. Give it a try. It might make your day.
I must say that some of those who live along the trail are not quite as friendly as they watch strangers pour through their territory. I can appreciate the disruption of their peaceful and tranquil space may take some getting used to. But greet them with a smile or wave and be very aware and respectful of their property lines which, in most cases, start on either side of the trail.
What amazes me is that some people actually think that leaving their garbage along the way is OK. I have started to bring a bag on my walks to pick up coffee cups, candy wrappers and, oh yes, little bags of doggie do-do left by walkers (runners or riders don’t seem to be the culprits). The ultimate occurred when I encountered five used tires dumped beside the trail.
For groups of bikers or walkers, I would respectfully suggest that, when you see someone approaching you from the other direction, it should be a common courtesy to fall into single file so they can pass. Usually moving to the right seems to be the approved method of passing and, yes it might mean moving from the good side to the rocky side of the trail but it’s a small gesture of good will.
Lastly, I would like to suggest that trail time be a time for enjoying this beautiful place where we are so privileged to live. Instead of thinking about what you did yesterday or what you will do tomorrow, slow things down a little and listen to the birds, smell the flowers, trees and bushes, and feel the earth beneath your feet. It might just be that the trail can be a place not just of exercise but of spiritual connection with creation and perhaps even the creator.
Ken Mather
Spallumcheen
