Section 2

Bryn read the information plaque as she entered the building, “The longest continuous hiking trail starting in

Georgia and ending in Maine.” She knew a little about the trail already. She mindlessly looked around the

general store- filled with all the usual touristy trinkets and an assortment of camping supplies. A very dirty

older man entered the store. He was carrying a well-used backpack, he looked homeless yet Bryn assumed he

was perhaps a “thru-hiker” who had been on the trail a few days. He headed for a bin labeled lost and found and

squatted in the corner to inspect the contents. A female sales clerk dressed in a pristine ranger outfit sat near the

register with her leg resting on a chair, she addressed the dirty man, “How are you, Grover?”

“Oh fine, Flow, just fine. It’s amazing what these fancy hikers discard on the trail!” He said as he added things to

the bind. It appeared he wasn’t averse to taking things either, Bryn tried not to stare.

 “Let me know if you have any questions, Dear.” Flow, the clerk in the ranger uniform said looking at Bryn.

Bryn nodded and quietly replied,” Thanks”. 

Bryn scooted past Grover on one side and past a display of hats on the other, she was surprised when he said, “Here you go!” and plopped a hat on her head. Grover said in a gristle voice, “It’s just like that brand new one you are looking at on the rack- “ he pointed to an AT baseball cap, “except this one has experience. And it’s FREE” 

She laughed uncomfortably “Oh! No thank you. I am just looking.” as she handed back a sweat-worn hat that had seen better days. Grover plopped it in the barrel, unbothered.

Next, a group of senior citizens entered the building. Each woman, wearing white tennis shoes, each had different color sun visors on, and each holding binoculars. “ Birdwatchers,” Bryn smiled and thought to herself, definitely day hikers. 

From the back of the store sounds of boxes falling over and mumbled swearing could be heard as another ranger entered the store. He looked like he didn’t spend much time inside. Sweaty face, uniform wrinkled, as he took off work gloves he managed to bump some clipboards off the wall. “Ugh” He turned to the seated ranger whose leg wasn’t just propped on a chair- but Bryn now realized it was in a cast. “Hey Flow, I heard you needed help with something?” By appearance he looked rough and tough, Bryn was surprised by the kindness in his voice. 

Flow replied with a mischievous tone, “Why Yes, I do! Our Audubon group is here for the Spring birdwatching tour and I need you to lead it.” 

“Oh no.” the rough ranger took two steps backward and knocked down the other remaining clipboards. “ Get someone else to babysit” was his reply. When he noticed all the birdwatchers looking at him, he then justified more loudly- “No offense ladies,” He used his thumb to gesture outside, “ I still have downed trees I have to cut up from last night's big thunderstorm.” 

Unsympathetic, Flow states under her breath, “Don’t forget this is one of the ways we get funding. I can’t lead it.” Tapping on her cast for emphasis. In a more motherly tone, she continued, “You are the only other person who can accurately identify birds- One hour won't kill you.” 

A lady with a yellow visor teased, “Common Ranger, you know we don’t bite.” 

With a heavy sigh, Ranger conceded, “Give me a minute to clean up.”  The older lady in the yellow visor clasped her hands with delight, “Our hero!”.

Bryn admired this group of matronly women. There is a confidence that only comes with age. She envied them. Each mingling with their ridiculous hats,  (Yet who was she to talk? A spring dress with rubber boot and makeup probably halfway down her face? ) She smiled as she thought they resembled a flock of birds, especially the way they chatted with each other. 

 

One woman with a pink sun visor stated, “I hope we see and hear a Wood Thrush, I think their songs are so.. ethereal… not quite of this world.”  

“Oh yes!” they all agree.

Another woman with a neon yellow visor offered, “ I also enjoy the trill of a sweet Veery.”

Bryn was genuinely impressed, these ladies knew their birds. Forgetting herself, Bryn offered “ Seeing a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker always makes me smile.”

“Oh?” a lady with the purple visor curiously asked, “Why is that?” She then opened her bird identification book, “You said a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?”

“Oh sorry… “ Bryn was embarrassed to draw attention to herself.

“Why do you like them?” Another woman asked, cupping her ear, “I didn’t hear what you said.”

The lady with the purple visor held a picture of the bird up so her friends could see, while Bryn explained, “Its coloring reminds me of those dramatic masked wrestlers, and they sound like stepping on a squeaky toy.”

They all smiled and nodded politely then one asked, “Are you joining us Dear?”

“Oh, no.” Bryn replied, ”Sorry. I wasn’t planning on it.”

“Oh you have to come!” the group agreed.

“Yes! If you have the time…” Flow agreed, “ you seem to know a lot about birds.”

Bryn felt a buzz from her phone, another text. Her eyes darted quickly down and read, “Give me the deets!” It was from her sister, she wanted the details from brunch. It took only a second for Bryn to admit she would like the delay and the distraction. And a little birdwatching was just the thing to cheer her up.”  She quickly agreed. “Okay, I will join you ladies. I just need to get something from my car.”