The river was about 25 feet wide as it flowed past the ruins. No one had lived in the area for years, but it was a popular place for campers, kayakers, other small boaters, and fishermen. The water was clear making it possible to see the white sandy bottom of the river. The flowing water made a pleasant sound as it went downstream. There was a natural watery aroma that could be smelled at a distance.
That same white sand, soaked in river water, formed the river’s firm banks. Every morning it was possible to see bird and animal footprints in that sand. It was also possible, unfortunately, to see beer cans and empty chip bags on the sand left by careless visitors.
People representing environmental groups would show up a few times a month to do the cleanups that should not have been necessary. At times one or more of them from different groups would appear simultaneously on each side of the river. The water sound made conversation impossible, but they occasionally waved at each other across the water. Each came from a different direction and had to park at least two miles away to hike to each river bank. Hiking back to their cars hauling a large bag of debris was the reward.
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