If life is a highway, as Tom Cochrane says, then the best of human nature emerged on Highway 5 on Sunday, July 10.
An accident at Raft River Bridge closed Highway 5 on that day for about 15 hours. What could have become an ugly mess instead spoke to the integrity of human nature.
Within a few hours the highway had backed up a long ways. Instead of cars and trucks and trailers, people were riding their bikes, skateboarding, walking their dogs, kids were playing, and many were casually strolling up and down the highway. The highway had never been so quiet!
Late in the afternoon Dee’s Store in Birch Island was packed with travelers looking for supplies, mainly gas. Several campers found spots along Norris Road where they planned to spend the night.
By now it was early evening. A stroll towards the accident scene revealed lounge chairs set out on the road, a tent set up on the shoulder, and people settling down for the night and the long wait. There was almost a festive air.
A big bouquet of roses goes out to some of our citizens who volunteered to help out. For example, Brenda Griffith distributed bottled water to stranded travelers; Daryl and Pearl McRae of Miller subdivision delivered food and refreshments to the flaggers.
– Helen Stec