Page 67 - REALLY What A time Book IX

REALLY SO WHAT
What A Time

A FORT IN THE WOODS

On the border of the apartments was a forest of hardwoods.
Oak mostly, some Walnut, Chestnut and Pine. They covered
the hills and were at least two miles deep. The hills and forest
overlooked two valleys, one called Four Mile Run, after the
little stream. The other unnamed, but would eventually hold
Shirley Highway and Interstate 95. This Valley separated
North and South Fairlington. Our backyard faced it.

These woods were magical, and I would spend hours running
and playing in them. I would know every path, leaf and tree.
Virginia’s woods and forests are different than both Northern
and Southern forests. Maybe, because they have a longer
growing season. There’s less bush, low growing beneath the
trees, and it’s easier to see through, yet not quite a jungle.

Running in the woods was the best possible fun. I could see
further in the fall, making it easy to run through. In the spring,
after a rain I could run through them as silently as an Indian. I
liked that best and would always love the pine groves because
the needles on the floor made passing without a sound, I was
stealth.
All the kids spent a lot of time playing ‘Cowboys and Indians’
in them. As well, everyone walked through them to get to our
closest shopping center Shirlington. There was never any fear
or hesitation by anyone traveling or playing in them. They
were always safe.

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