Although we don't often think of non-living things as being able to leave behind energy, they do -and it's because of the emotional energy we attach to them. Such is the case in this story from a man named Tom, who experienced a Ghostly train whistle as a kid, and learned why! - Rob
 |
| Credit: http://shadow-of-nemo.deviantart.com/art/Ghost-train-342880648 |
When
my sister and I were growing up, we would spend the summer months with
my maternal grandparents who lived in the Tidewater/Northern Neck region
of Virginia. My grandfather would do odd jobs for local landowners in
the area to make extra money. One of these was a guy named Mr. Berry.
Mr. Berry was extremely wealthy and owned a lot of land which my
grandfather was hired to "bushhog" with a mower attachment hitched to
the back of his tractor. When my grandfather would meet with these
individuals to discuss what work needed to be done, I would often tag
along.
On one of Mr. Berry's properties, there was this ravine that cut
across the property. Once you climb down into the ravine, the narrow
strip of land was flat and continued in both directions as far as you
could see. The ravine was protected on both sides by brush and the
trees formed a canopy overhead shading out the hot summer sun.
 |
| Satellite view shows where the railroad track was located. Credit: Google Maps |
On this
particular visit, I wandered away from my grandfather and Mr. Berry,
climbed down into the ravine, and stood very quietly. A spell was cast,
and I heard the distinct sound of leaves rustling and the faintest
sound of a train whistle off in the distance. The magic lasted for only
a few short seconds, and was interrupted by my grandfather calling my
name, "Tommy!" I climbed back out of the ravine and ran to catch up to
my grandfather and Mr. Berry.
Later that day, I asked my grandfather
about the ravine. He told me that it was the remnants of the old
railroad that ran between Richmond and the ammunition factory at
Dahlgren during the Civil War. I still have memories of that day...such
a cool experience.
Here's a link to the abandoned railroad line that ran through Mr. Berry's property.
Here's a link to what became of Mr. Berry's property:
