The Unlikely Hiker

The Unlikely Hiker

On July 3, 1994, Robert Speer and his cousin were making their way down the trail in the mountains near Twin Lakes, California.

An older lady, around eighty (he guessed) was making her way up the trail. She was alone and dressed in street clothing. The boys said “Hi” and she echoed “Hi” back as she continued up the path.

It seemed odd, because she was headed up the path and the sun was beginning to set. The boys continued down the mountain and forgot about it. Robert and his cousin made it to the little cafe at the resort where they met their parents.

Later that evening at their cabin on lower lake, Robert learned that an elderly woman, an acquaintance of his grandmother had an accident; she and her vehicle had gone into lower lake that afternoon. She had died. When Robert saw her picture he was certain it was the same woman on the trail.

The next day was 4th of July and Robert and his cousin had volunteered to help at the pancake breakfast in nearby Bridgeport. As they were cleaning up at the end, Robert stopped and stared at the crowd on the street.

Walking through the throngs of people, Robert was sure it was the woman they had seen on the trail. He  turned and tried to get his cousin’s attention, “Hey! Isn’t that–“

From behind him he heard her call, “Do you remember me?”

When he turned back the woman had vanished.