The adventure started with a sign: “No Gallop Hikers on Trails.”
The sign added a note of discord to the Secret Agent’s Sunday hike. He had never seen a galloping hiker, though truth be told, he did enjoy rushing down hills, dodging rocks and branches in breathless abandon. He, ever law-abiding, feared that his past behavior was unacceptable on this trail.
The Secret Agent sat on the bank, pondering the sign. Danger Girl squatted next to him, “Look, Secret Agent, this is a mystery to solve. I will help you find the elusive galloping hikers. ” The Secret Agent gladly accepted her offered aid.
Danger Girl led the way, searching the trail for clues. Leaves obscured the ground. However, Danger Girl was confident that they would solve the mystery.
The pair found a low wooden barricade across the path. In appearance, it closely resembled a plank bridge. Yet it crossed no water and many of the boards were loose or missing. Curious.
Danger Girl found the next clue – a barricade of rubber tires. “Look at these, Secret Agent. Do you suppose they are here to stop the galloping hikers?” The Secret Agent kept his opinions and thoughts to himself, carefully inspecting the tires.
When they came across a third barrier, the Secret Agent broke into a grin. “What is it, Secret Agent? Have you solved the mystery?” asked Danger Girl. He nodded and ran towards an opening in the trees.
“Wait for me!” yelled Danger Girl.
The opening led to a meadow where the pair found broken down fences and more barriers. Balancing on one of the cross braces, Danger Girl questioned the Secret Agent, “What is this place and what does it have to do with galloping hikers?”
The Secret Agent dropped to all fours, and explained, “Horses! No Gallop Horses!” The Secret Agent solved the mystery. He sighed. Poor punctuation had sent him on a wild hunt.
This adventure took place at Earle Parke in Glastonbury, CT. The trails in the park are used by both hikers and horseback riders. For more Secret Agent adventures, check out:
Elephants & Rutabagas 