Twice Upon an Afternoon Stroll

After driving to the riverside park, we parked in a space strewn with dry leaves. The wind on our faces was a little chilly so we pulled on our light jackets and began to walk the asphalt path above the river. A trendy lady and her long trench coated companion catapulted past us with their Airedale Terrier, like we were standing still. I wondered if we had cooties! But, no bother, it was a crisp day and the river view was awesome. We found a river facing bench to settle upon. NO sooner had we sat down than the wind gusts picked up, stinging our faces again. I pulled my jacket tight around my neck and suggested to my husband that we continue walking to stay warm. Three chatty ladies in jogging suits and walking shoes came toward us. Although they all gave us a little smile, the lingering eye contact from one face with a blond page boy do and a wide intentional smile was refreshing. As we passed, I was tempted to glance back at her, she seemed nice. As gusts died down, we paused by the railing to take another look at a stretch of rapids. The soothing whisper of the winds in the trees and the roar of the rapids created a superb end to our afternoon.