Chapter 1
2015Mary Robbins stretched her legs out, groaning at the warmth of the fire against her aching feet and muscles. The ancient oak, maple, and locust trees soaring overhead sported dark green leaves poking through the bright springtime shades, but a distinct chill lingered in the North Georgia early evening air.
The view across the granite and limestone gorge opened up barely twenty yards away, the river at the bottom hundreds of feet below as musical as it was beautiful. A skeletal frame of bright new wood suggested what the observation deck would look like in a couple of weeks. The gorgeous scenery would draw people to the grand opening, and the bike trail she was helping build would bring them back.
The antiquated narrow-gauge rails were long since removed, probably hauled of
