Caution: VERY Slippery When Wet

I run with my head down. I guess it reveals a lot about me.

Last week, I was running on what seemed like the hundredth rainy day in a row. I was on one of my usual routes -- a little trail that runs behind a housing development. My head was especially tucked down because the rain was coming at an angle right under my hat.

On the trail, there's a bridge that crosses a small creek. There's never water in the creek so I pretty much cross it oblivious to the fact that it's even a bridge. Until last week.

For some reason, I looked up and noticed a small note written on an index card, sealed in a baggie and tacked to the bridge rail. Even with my head down, it was in my line of vision:

Caution: VERY Slippery When Wet

As I crossed the bridge, I took extra care in making sure that I planted my feet and didn't land on my bum.

Out of curiosity, I turned back to check the rail on the other side of the bridge, to see if the note was there as well. Sure enough, an identical note appeared on the other side.

For some reason, I found myself mulling over these notes, and they brought me comfort as I finished up my 5 mile run in the pouring rain.

In my mind, I pictured someone (okay, it was an elderly man who looked like my grandfather) walking home from his morning walk, sitting at the kitchen table, pen in hand and writing a note.

Whoever wrote this note must have thought his or her plan through carefully. He or she had to make sure the note wasn't ruined in the rain and then how to post it. Tape? Nail?? Tack?!

I don't know why, but this little note, scrawled by someone I will never know, made my day. It occupied my thoughts as I climbed hill over hill, my head still down...

Wondering what other signs I've missed with my head down.

Wishing there were more signs along my paths, carefully written and tacked so I can see them.