Incidents of Travel on the Beltline v. IV

Incidents of Travel on the Beltline v.IV
Artist Statement: George King

This endeavor was inspired in part by the writings of American explorer and diplomat John Lloyd Stephens in his noted 1841 publication, Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan and the documented walks of British artist Sir Richard Long from the 1960s to today. I decided to apply the disciplines and practices of Stephens and Long to an exploration of the Atlanta Beltline in 2020. Unfortunately, I am unable to duplicate the magnificent lithographs of Frederick Catherwood, and can only offer my modest efforts employing a Sony digital camera to document my discoveries. I plan to walk the entire Beltline as it appears on their interactive map in a series of excursions. I will make photographs and collect items I find at every mile mark along the route.

DIARY EXCERPT, November 27th 2020, 1.40pm ET: “I left my vehicle near the Fulton County Training Offices and set off carrying a supply of water, peanuts, and M & Ms. Cutting through a small copse, I found myself on the pristine concrete surface of Atlanta’s contribution to urban evolution: the Beltline. I set off heading south-east towards my house in Grant Park. At every mile marker I intended to make a photograph and gather a stone, or any small totem I might find. Almost immediately I encountered a marker announcing Mile 1.75. Instant success! Unfortunately, it was the last one I would find for days–apparently mile markers are installed in a rare, random and whimsical manner. I pressed on regardless, only to come to the end of the concrete trail in Rose Circle Park, where the cheery Beltline signage also mysteriously petered out. Consulting the official Beltline map on my phone, I discovered a parallel trail a hundred yards to the south, where a plethora of brand new breweries lined the route.

Here I faced my first uncertainty–I felt sure that Stephens and Catherwood would have spent several days sampling the beers and engaging with fellow-drinkers, but the more ascetic British, Long, would not tarry with such distractions. Gritting my teeth and clutching my water bottle, I pressed on. But almost immediately my passage was thwarted once again–a tall fence stretched across the trail. Signs warned: No Entry, Trail Closed, and No Trespassing. I searched in vain for indications of an alternative route but there were none. Once again the Beltline challenged my endeavors. Fortunately, closer examination revealed that what appeared to be an impenetrable barrier, would in fact permit a slim, observant and persistent human to slip through. Possessing two of these faculties, once again I was off, striding out on red Georgia clay exposed by the ravaging of large yellow machines. I noted a pickup truck driving toward me–my pulse quickened. But as it passed me the driver waved. I waved back—clearly I was mistaken for a fellow sub-sub-contractor, or more likely, when I looked in the mirror that night, a homeless person. In the next mile I would walk past six work crews, none of whom seemed concerned by my trespass. I even made a few photographs. Eventually and inevitably, another fence and large boulder pile blocked the route, signalling the resumption of the trail. I could see cyclists and walkers turning around on the other side. Freedom appeared imminent, but the dual fence and rubble was a trickier prospect—would I have to retrace my footsteps back to the vehicle? Clearly, Richard Long’s spirit was coursing through my veins, again, by climbing, wriggling, and twisting, I found a way through. Now, I began encountering other urban explorers, some accompanied by their pet dogs….”

[Editor: Over the next week King would tramp the concrete, navigate old rights of way, wade streams, wrestle with bamboo thickets, and slip past obstacles, repairing for the night when the peanuts and M & Ms ran low. Unfortunately, he discovered that portions of the Beltline are currently occupied by live railroads, unresolved legal rights of passage, even portions of a six-lane highway. But photographs of some of his discoveries and a virtual exhibit of artifacts acquired along the way may be found below. It’s a sequential narrative with captions below each image, starting with the book.]