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Often we choose far-off destinations over exploring in our backyards hoping for something new and exciting. We spend hours searching for shark teeth on a beach vacation but forget to pay attention to what we might encounter close to home. What if we could use curious eyes and a spirit of wonder to make great local adventures a regular thing? The Grateful Boomers decided to turn biking the familiar High Bridge Trail into a new journey.

They started at the River Road parking lot and headed to Rice. The first find was a large feather. An iNaturalist inquiry identified a turkey tail feather. Next, exploration of a side trail across from the new visitor’s center led down to the river and underside of the bridge. The older masonry piers from the original construction are a glimpse into the bridge’s history. In the early 1900’s the bridge was reconstructed using steel supports which are quite impressive to view from ground level. After 150 years in the railway business, the role of recreational bridge seems well-suited for High Bridge.

Plenty to find

Wildlife and pollinators are abundant on the trail. Be prepared to dodge directionally-conflicted squirrels and snakes posing as sticks. Watch as a bird seems to lead the way down the trail waiting for you to catch up before taking off again. Lock eyes with a deer as she pauses before crossing the trail. For more exploration, a short detour on Rice Depot Road intersection leads to a beautiful pollinator garden where bees and butterflies teach passersby about what plants best support them. 

In his book, Local, Alastair Humphreys recounts a year-long local exploration of his home in England. For 20 years he had grand adventures around the world but family life and concerns about natural resources changed his priorities. With the help of Ordnance Survey, Britain’s mapping agency, he mapped a 12 mile area with his home in the center and walked or biked one map grid per week. By looking closely at everything, asking questions, and researching his findings, he became very familiar with his small area of the world. He was surprised by many of his discoveries, but most surprising was the attachment he developed to the areas he visited. For anyone interested in becoming better acquainted with their backyards, the United States Geological Survey(USGS) provides 7.5 and 15 minute topographical maps for download or order. 

Whatever the reason for local expeditions-to save money, time, or the planet-the 32+ miles of the High Bridge Trail offer many opportunities.

Who are the Grateful Boomers?

And if you’re wondering who the Grateful Boomers are, they’re a group of friends from Buckingham County, all over the age of 60, who want to enrich their lives through both meaningful friendships and challenging outdoor adventures.

They believe that aging gratefully with a high level of curiosity about everything, will create the best environment to remain mentally and physically active. Collectively, the group’s interests run from biking to hiking, kayaking and photography to reading, knitting, gardening and travel. They hope that by sharing their adventures, the group will inspire others to do the same.

To read about more of the Grateful Boomers’ trips, you can click here or here.