Post 1416 Wednesday January 4
I have a friend who drops white pebbles as he walks in wild places so he can find his way back. When he told me about it I laughed. I take a compass on a string around my neck I said. Far more sensible I said. I’m not laughing now.
Let me think. My trusty compass says I’m heading south-east. I want to go back, so I need to go north-east...no south-north...no ...oh dear!
I’m sure I passed that pointed rock over there...or was it that one? I remember seeing a tree with cones on it. There’s one down there, but there's another over there. If I climb to the top of this mound, I’ll probably be able to see the town. Mmm, a bit too steep. Now what?
Oh look, there’s a white pebble, and another. And another. I think I’ll follow them.
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following the old and trusted way still the best! Maybe the compass was broken or enchanted and leading him astray. Or were the pebbles distracting him. Lovely story, condensed but packed with a myriad of possibilities. Nice one Keith.
ReplyDeleteNever trust a compass especially if you don't know how to use it! Thanks Gina
DeleteWe all depend way too much on our technical devices and this story reminds me that there is still the trusted "old" way when the devices break. Good thing he was able to come to the conclusion it was better to follow the white pebbles. He's following the advice of his friend. Great story, Keith, it really makes you think.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words PJ. Much appreciated.
DeleteBut what happens if his friend runs out of pebbles? Maybe they should team up and work together with compass and pebbles. Nice take, gave me a chuckle.
ReplyDeleteI'll suggest it to them Iain! cheers!
DeleteHehe. Maybe best to go hiking with his friend. Seems safer. Fun story! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Thanks so much.
DeleteSometimes we think we are more wise, only to be humbled when it comes down to practical application. Following a trail of pebbles would certainly be easier, unless it snows! Now breadcrumbs, that's a bad idea! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou can of course folow footsteps back assuming of course the snow stops! My initial idea was actually for him to drop bread which would get eaten by birds following behind him! But I went with the compass.
DeleteOh you clever man! That really made me smile.
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
In that case, mission accomplished! Thanks Susan.
DeleteClever take, enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much
DeleteHi Keith - I can relate ... so easy to lose oneself and then wonder - how long to home. Those red rocks ... memories of Africa ... no doubt others will have different places ... but piece of string, pebbles much more sensible ... and a good work out picking them up as one reverses! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI clambered over the red rocks of Africa myself a few months ago. Now, where's the next pebble?
DeleteAt times it pays to be practical and grounded. Nice piece of writing.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it does - thanks Neel
DeleteGreat tale Keith. What if?
ReplyDeleteI like it! Well done.
ReplyDelete