Always an Adventure

EYE CONTACT BY AVALANCHE

MY FRIEND DANO GREW UP IN A SMALL FORMER MINING

TOWN IN THE ROCKIES, the kind with gravel roads and lots of old, ramshackle buildings left over from a silver mining boom that ended a half-century prior to his birth. It was a place where everyone knew everyone else, no one locked their doors (if the door even had a lock) and most of the goods came into town via rail car. Now in his 70s, he’s seen the semi-ghost town of his birth turn into a glitzy world-renowned ski resort, where the billionaires have displaced the millionaires out of town. The cost of living generally precludes the working class (including doctors and lawyers) from actually owning a home there; if one works for a wage, one commutes from elsewhere. We had lunch together a few days ago, and both lamented some of the changes, both locally and nationally that have occurred over the last few years. Dano and I used to work together in that megapriced resort town. We both have moved on to other things and still live near enough to commute up to town if we had to – and we’re grateful that we no longer do. We both live in side valleys that intersect with the main river valley that runs down from town, far enough away to be somewhat isolated from the culture that spills out, along with some of the money that sloshes around up there. Dano likes to ride his bicycle, but no longer rides the road due to ever-increasing traffic. The railroad tracks that used to carry merchandise to town were removed years ago, and the right-of-way converted to a pedestrian and bicycle trail. He pedals his miles on the trail, and noticed a trend over the last few years; namely, how few people say “hi” anymore. He began an experiment by saying “hi” or waving at everyone who was passing by going the other direction. The results confirmed his impression: only 40 percent of those on the trail would acknowledge his presence, even after he offered a greeting. Many went out of their way to avoid even looking at him. It was a sobering, but unsurprising statistic, even if the “study” was lacking in scientific precision. It seems that civility has been on the decline for some time, especially in the formerly uncrowded Rockies. When I got here nearly forty years ago, (it’s shocking to see that number in print!) the roads were uncrowded, and social interaction was generally cordial and unforced. Most new transplants to the area came because they wanted to live in the mountains, and took whatever job they could find. Now, it seems that most new arrivals come because they found a job here; they would just as likely have moved to Toledo if a job had been offered there. There is less love for the land, let alone the current residents and culture. Now especially, the lack of eye contact seems more troubling. Fear of a virus has people staying farther apart, with masks covering smiles, frowns and anything in between. People hurry about their business with little or no conversation. Digital communication, handy as it is, takes the place of genuine connection. Personal bonds are strained, or lost entirely; new ones are not easily made. Dano and I are fortunate to live outside of the main valley. In our respective neighborhoods, people wave, say “hi” and have enough room to interact without covering up, or feeling crowded. We’re still cordial, but are growing weary of those who want to change our remaining havens into an environment similar to the places they just escaped from.

I’m typing this on the road, visiting family and friends in the O’Fallon area, as well as in the Ozarks. I conducted my own experiment while here in the Midwest. While out walking and jogging I greeted everyone I came across. Virtually everyone replied with a smile, nod, wave or friendly hello. It was refreshing to experience that simple civility. Thanks to all who participated in my impromptu study; please keep up the good cheer, we all need it!