Letter from Gerry Burton

Don,

 

I thought a snowshoe trail along the river would mix health, exercise, fun and work (a lot of work) all together.

 

Mr. Mateev gave me permission to cross his land to have access to the river.

 

In the summer and fall of 2009, I started shaping a trail by cutting elders and trimming branches.

 

My daughter Lyana had started snowshoeing and enjoyed it a lot.  That winter, she insisted that we call her every time we'd go snowshoeing.  I remember the first time she tried the trail.  I was a bit ahead hacking at whatever shrubs had resurfaced from the snow or tossing broken branches from the trail.  When I reached the spot where, later on, a bench would be built, I saw her approaching, red faced, breathless, and tired from her workout.  

 

Dad, she said, we need a bench (puffing) or something (puffing) to sit and rest when we get here (puffing) - some places are too narrow - chop chop - branches are hitting my face (chop higher).

 

On the right side of the trail, similar advice.  A bench to rest - some spots are too close to water's edge, after hearing of my slip-slide event.  I assured her benches would be made and the trails would get better with work and time.  We had quite a few happy snowshoe days that winter.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of people using the trails to even walk the dog.

 

That spring, my beautiful daughter died in a motorcycle accident!

 

When fall came, building those benches and working on the trails kept my grief in check.  I was doing this for her, with her, hearing her voice, wanting benches to rest.  So yes, it has helped me cope with my loss.  I took care of the trails as long as I could, but, for the past three years, my old bones are not as strong.

 

When Don called to ask if he and Rotary Club could up keep those trails, I was happily surprised.  When my niece showed me pictures of the beautiful signs, I was impressed!  The big posts and the engravings are perfect "Good workmanship"!  

 

To all of you who had a hand in this and makes it a beautiful place to go.  Thank You!

 

Forever grateful
Gerry