Which Side?

 

Which Side?

There are a number of factors that I consider when choosing which side of the road I am walking on.  The first has to do with safety.  One of the blessings of living in an area where I can literally take a morning walk in the country is that there is very little traffic on my route.  In fact, I don’t see many people at all, except someone riding on bike.  During the summer time especially, the car traffic is low to none most days.  But I keep that in mind because the few cars and trucks that do pass me aren’t necessarily looking out for pedestrians.  I usually walk on the left side of the road.  That’s because I can see when someone is driving towards me; that gives me time to check behind me and then, if clear, I will cross over to the right side.  That way the driver can stay on their correct side of the road without veering around me. 

Walking on country roads can be more challenging that you think.  Country roads usually have a noticeable crown, meaning that they are highest in the middle and they slope down to the ditch on either side.  There is one-mile-long stretch along the stretch I see the least amount of traffic on where the blacktop has settled over the years.  The east side of the road is actually almost level, while the slope is still noticeable on the west side.  In the case of that road, I will walk on the east side whether I’m going or coming just because its easier on my feet and my ankles. 

Sometimes it depends on the calendar.  For example, in mid-June the long stretch that I walk that heads westward, the sun shines best in the southern ditch because the north side of the road is flanked by woods.  I know from years of walking the route that during those particular couple of weeks that the wild roses will be blooming abundantly in that southern ditch while the ditch on the north side won’t have any roses.

During the spring and autumn migrations I will always stay on the side with the ponds, so I can note the comings and goings of all the winged travelers.  

In July and at least early August another factor is the air temperature.  When it’s very hot and humid during the days, it won’t cool off much at night.  On those days I stay close to the north side of the road because the woods keeps most of that side of the road in the shade, at least on my way out.  It makes a big difference in comfort, and I’m fine with taking the cooler side.  If there is penance to be done, it can be accomplished on the way back home as the sun has usually shifted by then so that there is no real shade to be had on either side.

I have also found that it is more difficult for big wildlife to notice me when I am on the shady side.  Many times, I have spotted something ahead before it sees me.  I can then stop and observe the crossing of perhaps a doe and her twin fawns, or at this time of year a hen turkey and her brood of poults, or even a fox with her kits.

But some days there are more base reasons for choosing sides.  I should be on the left as I head home, but on these warm, sticky mornings the side along the woods harbors the deer flies that can pester you for great distances.  If they’re especially bothersome, I will stay on the far side in the sun where the flies are noticeably less. 

So, echoing the ancient knight in the Indiana Jones movie, The Last Crusade, when choosing which side of the country road to walk on, choose wisely.

His Peace <><

Deacon Dan