Trail keeps its own time
There are no scientific studies to either prove or disprove it, but this is a working hypothesis: Time gets measured differently along the Spokane River Centennial Trail.
It’s not that timepieces don’t work along the 37 miles of trail stretching from Nine Mile Falls on the west to the Idaho state line on the east. Sweep second hands still sweep and digital watches still, well, digit.
It’s just that you tend not to notice.
Perhaps it’s the sound of the breeze dancing through the trees and the sound of the Spokane River winding its way west. Or maybe it’s just too easy to get caught up watching roly-poly marmots watch us that we forget to check our watch.
Archeologists figure humans have lived along the banks of the Spokane River for some 11,400 years, so it’s more likely that, after some 114 centuries, the area is immune to our attempts at measuring minutes and seconds.
The Centennial Trail encourages alternate, individual methods of measuring time.
Any of the benches along the trail make an excellent vantage point for measuring time.
At any given time during the day – dawn to dusk are the trail’s hours – you will find any number of ways to measure time.
Like, say, the metronome of footfalls.
Sit for a while, and people will walk by at various paces – from a comfortable stroll to a quick-paced jog. Some will be walking hand-in-hand with a significant other. Others will have a cherished pet on a short leash. Still more ease past alone, enjoying the solitude afforded by a 37-mile ribbon of walkway.
Depending on where you sit, you may see the occasional horse and rider pass by – the sound of hooves meeting earth.
Listen to the sound of the footfalls. Whatever the rhythm. It’s a comforting, relaxing beat.
But the best way to enjoy the Centennial Trail is to listen to your own internal clock.
Whether you walk, run, glide or ride, listen to the sounds of your own breathing. Fresh air going in; fresh air going out. Enjoy the scents of nature along the trail as you breathe.
And listen to the sounds of your heartbeat – and be prepared.
Every so often, as you round a corner, the sight of the Spokane River catching the sunlight in just the right way can make your heart skip a beat.
And those lucky enough to happen on a deer or some other wild resident of the river – even a clowning marmot – will notice that they’ve held their breath for just a moment.
As you leave the trail, you’ll notice something interesting. For the first time in quite a while, you’ve lost track of time. Maybe for just a few minutes, maybe for a lost hour, but you will discover that you’ve forgotten what time it is.
And you won’t really care.