A creek runs through it

Abstract

More than 20 years ago, a storm led me to a patch of woods behind a Lowe’s in Gainesville. I was exploring creeks in the area and following the stormwater as it coursed along a gutter. The water pointed to a footpath. The path veered behind an embankment. Makeshift steps of concrete rubble descended through a portal of palmetto and grape vine—and into an oasis.