Someone Else's Secret

We live in one of the highest areas of the county. As a result there are many towers along the ridge we live on. Rumor has it that the tower company is looking for a site for a new tower. Because of that, no one here thought much of the helicopter that was flying around this afternoon. We all assumed that it was the tower company scoping out a new location for another tower.

I was out helping Papaw put the last wall on the new chicken house when we noticed that the helicopter seemed to be concentrating on our property, particularly the area where our property adjoins with the two neighbors properties. There is already one small tower in that area, so it made logical sense that the tower company would be looking there.

As we hoisted the last wall and tacked into place, we wondered whether they were putting in a small tower or a large one. We guesstimated how close the guide wire might come to the house if it was a large tower, and discussed the good and bad of having a tower on the property. Then we noticed that there was a vehicle pulled in front of the house.

Apparently, we had not heard it pull in over the helicopter and tool noise. I could only see the front end of the vehicle, but it was a familiar dark blue with gold stripes. The state police were parked in front of my house with a four wheeler in tow.

Rather confused and wondering what in the world was really going on, we approached the officers. They were rather stiff and formal with us, and in no hurry to answer our questions. They wanted to know who owned the property, where the property line was, and who all lived out here. Finally they told us that they had found marijuana growing.

Our reaction was disbelief and laughter. The officers were not amused. They explained that there was a well worn path to the spot, and even a little shelter. Little shelter; as in the kids' secret clubhouse. They asked a lot of questions, and walked around and looked at the different buildings on the property.

They left, obviously still not believing that we are as naive as we apparently are, to not know there was marijuana growing so near our house. They informed us that that spot is now marked on their GPS system and would be a regular stop for the helicopter inspections. As if we had something to hide.

Best we can figure here, after the fact, is that the spot must have been someone else's secret spot before the kids claimed it as theirs. The spot is not actually on our property, but right along the border with one of the neighbors. Who ever was using the spot as a garden must have had their plants indoors still when the clubhouse went up. Tim and I have not been to the secret spot since shortly after the clubhouse was built, adn obviously the kids do not know what marijuana plants look like. Though I did get the pleasure today of explaining to them what the plants are used for and why the state police were not happy they were growing here.

So next time we see a helicopter flying around the property, we will not be assuming it is the tower company looking for a good tower site. We can be pretty sure that it is the state police checking up on us. Tim says I should invite them in for coffee next time. Mamaw says that if I do I should probably not show them how I grow plants in my bathroom.