Category: Travels

A8

(written on the back of the placemat, August 12th at A8 restaurant in Williamsburg, Iowa)

The seat across from me is empty at a place we used to love to go. General Tso, Egg Drop Soup, Fried Rice, and Crab Rangoon. This lunch combo is truly special. We’d often order two, though one was plenty for both of us, just so we could take home the leftovers. I’m holding my emotions!

My first stop on what is already proving to be a strange day. Heading to my 50th high school reunion. August 12th. The three-month anniversary of Pam’s passing.

Lunching here at A8 is a perfect example of “going through” the grief. I seem to be purposeful about going places and doing things Pam and I so enjoyed together. Not all at once. Each venture has its emotional toll.

Christie, who owns and runs A8 with her husband, recognized me and stopped by my table. We haven’t been in this restaurant in over three years! Asking about Pam, I gave her the news. She recalled that Pam looked tired the last time we were here. Another milestone. And I made it through without melting into my tears.

I completed the A8 ritual by smashing the fortune cookie with my palm, as I have always done. But there is only one. The seat across from me is empty. Oops! So is the fortune cookie (I laughed out loud). No special words of wisdom for me. No winning lottery numbers. So it goes. (Off to my next new life’s experience. Seeing people I have not seen for 50 years.)

Happy Trails

I am happy to hold memberships in two organizations whose goals are to convert abandoned railways to and connect the country from coast to coast with multi-purpose trails. Rails to Trails Conservancy and American Discovery Trail (TM).

It has long been a goal of mine to complete at least part, maybe the Iowa section, of these trails. My focus has changed from cycling to hiking since I first became aware of these organizations. When weather conditions allow, I walk a few miles each day through local neighborhoods, not taking time to travel to area parks. My mind often wanders to the mountains where I’ve enjoyed distance from the same neighborhoods and where I am embedded in the awesome splendor and dominance of the peaks and valleys and their exposure (and mine) to the power of nature and the elements.

I haven’t been able to visit the mountains these past few years. Last summer I began escaping to a backpacking trip across Iowa in my mind. I don’t know whether I will ever make even a portion of this trek a reality, but it’s fun to contemplate and keeps my mind occupied while on the sidewalks I repeatedly travel.

Meanwhile, I enjoy knowing that there are organizations and people dedicated to making safe, scenic, trails available to all. But the mission is not complete. Visit the web sites linked above. You will find that the American Discovery Trail (TM) is far from complete and that sections include walking and riding county roads and are not yet effectively connected. Funding is also needed to purchase additional sections of rail. The railroads don’t just donate them, nor are the conversions cheap. Visit. And if so inclined, add your donations to their efforts – whether you ever get to use them personally or not.

Here is one of my favorite Iowa destinations :
High Trestle Trail near Madrid Iowa
It is part of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. It is converted from a rail bridge over the Des Moines River and is included in a segment of the ADT.