WORTHINGTON -- In September, I wrote a column about my daily trips to Crossroads Care Center. I traveled that route at least four times a day. The drive has become routine, at least most of the time. In summer and early fall, I was attracted by some young people on the basketball court under the lights. I noticed them almost every evening.
It was that they "made my day" watching them almost every evening. I never talked to them, but I did a Reminiscing column on them.
Now the season has changed, school is in session and the basketball court is dark. Most of my driving is in daylight, but the evenings are dark. While the leaves are on the trees, they cover the streetlights. I never was too concerned about people walking on Lake Avenue, but that changed.
I was approaching Godfrey, as vehicles enter on to Lake Avenue from there. I was looking ahead as I approached Godfrey, and there was no one in my sight -- I thought. Suddenly, I saw someone about two or three feet in front of the car on the right side. I know I saw somebody, and I still see him every time I close my eyes.
Why wasn't he on the sidewalk? But there are no sidewalks on Lake Avenue up to South Shore Drive. From there, sidewalks are on the lake side of the road, up to the bridge over the outlet from Lake Okabena.
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The point is, I am concerned about anyone who walks on Lake Avenue in the evening. I won't ever take Lake Avenue from the boat landing. I now take streets where there are more lights and few pedestrians in the dark of evening.
Pedestrians in evening make a visibility problem. Most don't carry lights, and dark clothes add to it. That Sunday evening, I almost hit someone walking, but I didn't. Need I say more?
Al Swanson is president emeritus of the Nobles County Historical Society.
