Rocheport, A Gift to Cherish...

Written by Rocheport resident Cheryl Thomas
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Sometimes it’s best to be alone in order to fully appreciate the beauty, history and tranquility of Rocheport. Take a slow walk to the river; listen, smell, feel the weight being lifted as you go. Sit down awhile and wait. Be patient and quiet. The show will start soon. The birds, bugs, snakes, turtles, and fish will entertain you. They either forget you’re there, or they’ve accepted that you mean them no harm. I like to think it’s the latter. Listen to the trees as their trunks rub against each other in the breeze.  Listen to the leaves move, the limbs on the ground snap to some unforeseen force.

Who else sat in this area hundreds of years before you and pondered the sights and sounds? There’s a pretty good chance you’re sharing the same spot where Indians and fur traders stood in the past.

What did they see and hear that you don’t? What do you see and hear that they didn’t? I can imagine they saw many more animals than you’ll ever be able to appreciate. You can be sure they didn’t hear the machinery at the sand plant, or the traffic on the I-70 bridge. They didn’t see the contrails in the sky or the warning signs and buoys along the river. But you can both agree that it’s a beautiful, powerful thing to see; the river in her glory and strength, rolling, laughing, giving and taking.

As the sun begins to set, you slowly amble home. The mourning dove serenades you as you walk alone. Are they sad because the sun is leaving, it’s the end of a peaceful day?  Or is that a lullaby they sing to one another, “all is well and we’ll do this again tomorrow?”

Late into the evening a magical, spooky yet beautiful chorus will start. The coyotes far and near, perform their ritual. It’s a mesmerizing and haunting sound. Then the owls chime in as they communicate with others within hearing. Listen to the bats chirping as they flit around above your head. You know you’re fortunate to listen in, to be allowed to share in this, the night sounds that have gone on for centuries and hopefully will continue for many more.
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Rocheport and the natural settings around it are a true blessing, a gift to be opened and shared. Slow down, walk away, and clear your mind. Be alone with the thousands of wonders waiting for you out there. It’s a true gift to cherish.