Walk With Megan

While visiting in Binghamton, NY with Molly and Roy I was thrilled to be able to walk in Megan's footsteps near Binghamton Univ., her alma mater.  I had learned that Megan had enjoyed hiking in a natural preserve right adjacent to the campus grounds.  We decided to go over across town and try to find the hiking area where she walked...perhaps an activity she enjoyed to relax or take a breather from finals.

I was accompanied by the whole family, since the boys were home from college...Greg from Notre Dame Univ.  and R.J. from Oswego Univ.  We found the preserve behind the University and started on our walk.  The path was rather wet from the rains and snows, but we did the best we could.  Along the way we ran into several beaver dams  and clear evidence of their activity on numerous,  felled trees.   Near the beaver dam we spotted a muskrat swimming along.  Olivia, the youngest in this group , found a good tree for climbing and up she went.  Molly had prepared a statement about Megan, enclosed it in a plastic bag and hung it on one of the trees along the path, hoping others would think about Megan while they walked the path.

I was glad to walk where Megan walked this time.  As my goal of 100K for Megan is coming close to the end, it was good to be able to include in my ventures an actual path where Megan walked.  I knew she enjoyed hiking in the preserve and I now know why she did, for it was a beautiful area with trees, marshes, ponds, beavers and other wildlife to view.

Previous  94K
Current      1K
Total        95K (goal 100K)

On the path

"Monkey" in the tree

Molly adding  a message

Beaver dam

Busy beaver work

Walk with/for Megan in Ocean City, MD

Peggy and I decided to take a short break for R & R in Ocean City, MD.  O. C is totally different in December compared to the high season in the summer.  In the summer the city hosts up to 333,000 vacationers on weekends, while in the quiet winter months it houses only about 7000 people.  So the decibel level was much lower, the traffic much more manageable and the boardwalk almost deserted.

We checked into the Marriott Residence Inn located on the bay side right where the Rte. 90 bridge stands.  We had a nice suite and a good view of the bay.  On one of the days we decided to take a Volksmarch hike.  We checked in at the Convention Center to get our instructions which directed us to the boardwalk.  Our instructions took us from 27th street to the end and then back, about a 6K distance.  So we had a good look at the whole boardwalk in December.  We counted how many people we saw on the boardwalk, as we walked to the end at the inlet, and the number came to 65.  By using the population figures for the summer compared to the winter count, those 65 people would be upgraded to about 3000 boardwalkers we would have encountered in the high season.

Only a handful of stores or shops was open.  We saw the closed doors of Fishers Popcorn, a favorite for popcorn lovers, Thrashers French Fries, for those who want a greasy, tasty fry, and Candy Kitchen, for those with a sweet tooth.  We enjoyed a leisurely walk and did find a small cafe open and had a coffee there.

Our memories wandered back to the numerous times we vacationed in O.C.  I think Megan liked the beach, at least from my recall of the times we spent time with her there.  She enjoyed swimming out beyond the breakers with Grandma to enjoy the swells of the tide.  She was quite a sand castle builder and loved to dig in the sand.  Our sunshine walk on the boardwalk reminded us of how Megan enjoyed the sun and sand right here in O.C.!

Previous total  88K
Current              6K
Total                94K  (goal 100K)

the boardwalk deserted

No greasy, tasty fries this day

Closed....too bad for the sweet toothers

Not many bags of popcorn sold this day

Megan at O.C.....

Walk with/for Megan in Brookside Gardens

One of my favorite areas to take a walk is Brookside Gardens, in Wheaton, MD, about 6 mi from our apartment. It is a beautifully kept nature center in the midst of residences and commercial sections.  I followed a paved pathway circling around twice on a loop to get a 2 mile distance or about 3K.

There is a conservatory there that houses many colorful plants.  Red stood out with the poinsettias displayed for the holiday season.  Also, a train garden was set up for the season.  I've always been fascinated with the train gardens at Christmas time.  This garden  featured, with the help of a volunteer group, some of the local attractions, such as a model of the visitor center at the garden,  and buildings in the DC area.  In talking with a senior attendant there, he commented that the structures were all handmade by their club members.  The model trains were of the large size, rather than the  mini HO size usually displayed in many train gardens.

The day was sunny, with a brisk breeze.  This particular walk with/for Megan was significant in that it was taken in her memory instead of in her honor.  This was the first walk I had taken since her passing on Nov. 14, 2018.  I had hoped to complete my goal of 100K before she left this earth.  But my last words to her were, "I love you and I am going to continue to walk with you." 

Previous total     85K
Current distance  3K
Totals                 88K (goal 100K)

Standing near the train garden in the Conservatory

A bright  red plant encountered in the Conservatory

Right in season...the poinsettia plant

A nice discovery....bird of paradise

A model train passing a model of the visitor's center at Brookside Gardens

Trees,Trees, Trees...A Walk for/with Megan at the U. S. National Arboretum

Today we took a 5K walk sponsored by the Volksmarch Assn. at the U. S. Arboretum in Washington, DC.  After several days of rain we were ready to get out into the sunlight.  It was a nice day for our hike, except the wind was strong (30 mph) which made it more challenging.

After checking into the visitor's center, we headed out on paved trails through this park.  We had checked in for our trip sheets to guide us through the 5K hike, but ran into trouble.  We missed a turn somewhere and got totally lost.  Instead of a "zig" we must have "zagged."  This forced us into another option.  To measure our distance we used an app on Dave's phone called "Pacer" that measures distance through counting paces, 7311,  which translated to 3.0 mi or close enough to a 5K length.

The autumn colors were on the downward trend for the season, but the trees were still magnificent.  Along the way we ran into a grouping of tall, sandstone columns.  These columns were removed from the U. S. Capitol Building in 1958, during a remodeling period.  Now they stand tall here in the Arboretum.  This facility serves as a research project for the government.  For example, one area was devoted to native trees and plants to study the environmental advantages they provide to us.  On the last leg of our hike we stepped into the National Bonzai Museum to view these unusual, tiny trees. So we concluded our hike from the straight and tall to end with the small, ornamental Bonsais.

 As we walked in the park, we were reminded of a large Maple tree that stands in front of Megan's family home in Binghamton, NY.  This beautiful tree has become the standard background for many family photos recording proms, graduations, confirmations, and numerous other celebrations.  The tree seems to be a part of the family....saying in its own way..."well done..I'm with you."

Previous total  77K
Today's total      5K
Current Total   82K (goal 100K)

A beautiful tree at the Arboretum

The Sandstone columns that originally stood at the Capitol Bldg.

Another stately tree in the park..looks good for kids to climb

At the Bonzai Museum

There's that Maple tree at 48 Dickinson Ave

A short walk with/for Megan, but this time with a cause.......

I responded to a notice in our church bulletin about a "walk and pray" event to highlight the street violence in Baltimore city.  I was directed to go to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church on Edmondson Ave. to join the event.  About 20-25 participants gathered at this church near the front steps.  The leader, a member of the church and a volunteer for the CeaseFire movement of Baltimore city, greeted us.

We started with prayer and then a reading of a large list of those who had been killed through street violence during the 2018 year.  Last year, 2017, some 342 people were killed on the streets of Baltimore.  Through Oct. 2018,  259 victims had fallen.

We moved on our walk down Edmondson Ave. in Edmonson Village and stopped at a Presbyterian church, meeting some new participants on the walk.  Here we sang and prayed, reciting another long list of names of fallen victims, ages ranging from 13 to 82.  We progressed further on to several other churches on our route, following the same routine.  We were not able to recite the full list of names, as was intended, because of limited time.  We passed through Edmondson Village where, just in this year, 24 persons had been killed, one recently gunned down within 24 hrs. of our arrival.

I'm glad I took some time to walk and pray on this day.  Usually I pick a natural trail and enjoy the peace and beauty of the day outdoors when on my walk with/for Megan.  But I thought I wanted to support this attempt to draw attention to the rampant violence in our city.  I'm pretty sure Megan would have joined in, but I'll let that be up to her review.

Previous  74K
Current      3K 
Total        77K (Goal 100K)

Our first stop at the Presbyterian Church with some young people holding up their banners.

A look down Edmondson Ave where we stopped and prayed

The banner supplied to us to display as we walked in the community

Walk with Megan in Albuquerque, NM

Another 5K walk, but this time in a distant state, New Mexico.  Peggy and I attended a Road Scholar program featuring the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM, October 4-8, 2018.  During our stay there, we had some free time to take a year round event sponsored by the local Volksmarch chapter in Albuquerque. (I love the spelling and the sound of this city!)

The walk took us to Old Town and some of the residential surroundings.  Old Town is the site where early Albuquerque began.  It features a plaza where the early residents gathered.  Of course, the church was a central part of the life.  The San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church here has been in use for some 200 years. We took some time to look into the church on our walk.

Now this area is a tourist center, where you have many vendors selling their wares.  The Southwest influence appears here, where American Indians can sell jewelry, woven goods, artwork, etc.  I settled for a colorful tee shirt that depicted the balloon fiesta.

While in Albuquerque we took in the Balloon Fiesta.  It is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, having some 500 balloonists participating.  It was quite a spectacle.  I didn't realize how huge these balloons are.  As well as witnessing the ascent of these  of these colorful balloons, we were able to walk down onto the lift off site and see them up close.

I understand Megan and her family took a ride in a hot air balloon and they all survived!  I don't think it is in the "works" for me.  She has more courage than I have.

Previous total  69K
Current walk     5K
Current Total   74K

San Felipe de Neri Church, Old Town, Albuquerque, NM

Some prickly pear cacti encountered on our walk near Old Town.

Mass balloon ascension at the Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, NM

On ground view of these huge balloons

Adding air to pump up the balloon

Instead of a sponsored Volksmarch to add to my total kms for/with Megan, I had a bona fide walk WITH Megan.

She arrived in Binghamton, NY for a short recovery period from major surgery at Sloan Kettering Hospital.  Peggy and I were helping out during her stay in the hospital.  She arrived in a limo in style and was greeted by family with hugs and kisses.

One of her doctor's prescriptions was to walk 2 mi. per day.  Our walk totaled 1.2 mi. which computes to about 2 km.  So Megan and I headed out into her neighborhood area.  We enjoyed chatting about her apartment in Buffalo, NY...some experiences with children she has taught....noticed some pretty flower gardens along the way.....how she has to deal with her recovery....etc.  Her "gait" was a little slower than before, so soon after her surgery.

During her stay we enjoyed playing a card game called"skip-bo."   On Friday evening (9/7/18) the whole family attended a special digital light display in downtown Binghamton.  Here my face was projected on the side of a building.  At various points special digital art, video projections were displayed.

On Saturday morning (9/9/18), Megan headed out to Buffalo, NY with her friend Adam.  .....more hugs and kisses......As I stated when I started this little project, the walk with/for Megan can be a statement or prayer for her health and well being.  Of course, walking WITH Megan made this a special experience.  I am looking forward to walking WITH Megan again.  And I maybe I can beat her at "skip-bo" next time!

Previous total  67 km
Current              2 km
Total                69 km (Goal is 100 km)

2011 picture of Megan and her Mother in front of the Maple Tree

 2012 Picture of Megan reading to her sister Olivia

Projected face..like mine was done during the Binghamton light festival

Walking with Megan

Today (8-19-2018) Peggy and I took a 5K hike at the Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD.  The year round event (YRE) was sponsored by the Freestate Happy Wanderers.  This is a premiere, recreational, garden center located in Montgomery County, Maryland.  It features beautiful garden areas, paths, and wooded trails. On this site are a visitor's center, nature center and a botanical center featuring butterflies to observe.

Our time was spent on the trails and some time in the garden areas.  This is a place where you can return to and still get new views and experiences.  We signed in at the Visitor's Center and got our map to follow on the hike.  We made our way on the dirt paths and some rocky sections.  One trail was called "horse trail," easily surmised from the horse droppings we had to maneuver around.  We came across an historic log cabin that was restored, its origins dating back to the 1850's. (I managed to crack my head on the low slung door frame!  ouch!)  At the end of the hike we were directed into some of the garden areas.

This hike came on the heels of a rough previous day.  Peggy had her wallet stolen at a restaurant in Silver Spring, MD.  We felt we needed a break from the tension that this caused in our lives...calling the police, credit companies, banks and all of the necessary things you have to do to protect yourself.  I think this hike provided a good break from all of this turmoil.  Perhaps this is a telling moment for us all, when turmoil invades our lives , break it with an inhalation of nature's potions.

Walk with Megan goals
Previous total  62K
Today's total      5K
Overall total    67K (Goal 100K)

Outside the Visitor' Center, enjoying some unusual plants

Taking a break in one of the beautiful garden areas

Peggy peeking  in the smoke house with 1850
 restored log cabin in the background

Walking with Megan

Today I walked a 5K YRE (year round event) sponsored by the Greenbelt Volksmarch Club.  I started at the College Park Airport which is located very near the campus of the Univ. of Maryland.  It is a small airport for private airplanes, I assume.  My directions took me out on an asphalt paved trail that led to a lake.  This lake, as I read on a placard, was a man-made lake, dredged out by the DC Metro system to use the sand and gravel to support their  rail tracks.  Now it is a nice, peaceful place for walkers and bikers.

I had been on most of this trail with my biking friends here at Riderwood Village.  But walking the trail was a different experience.  I was able to listen to the sounds more carefully.  There was the continuous buzz of the locusts,  birds and their calls, an airplane flying overhead and even the roar of the Metro train shooting down its tracks to DC and back.  And not far from the beginning of my walk I encountered a small deer, not too afraid of me,  by allowing me to walk right past it some ten feet away.  Of course, there were a few birds I recognized: a mockingbird, Canada geese and the common duck. Further, I enjoyed seeing the flowers nearby, a large bloom that I didn't recognize and many lily pad blooms.

On the last half of the trail I passed a young girl, talking on the phone to her friend.  I thought to myself that she was missing a lot of the natural beauty around her, glued to her phone.  I think it is good to listen to a quietude, soak in some of the beauty before us and be thankful.

Previous total  57 K
Today's total      5 K
Total                62 K (goal 100 K)

Deer encountered on the trail

Man-made lake with lily pads

Another view of the lake

Flower growing by the lake  (help you flower experts, what is it?

Walk with Megan...this time (June 8, 2018) in Baltimore, MD.   This was a 6K walk in the the Canton and Fells Point areas.  The starting point was Patterson Park, a huge open space that was donated by Mr. Patterson many years ago, for the enjoyment of the Baltimore residents.  There was a beautiful pagoda there on the grounds.

Our walk took us into the residential areas where there were the row houses with their front stoops.  On one block was an old time cellar door, which reminded Peggy of the cellar door attached to her childhood home in Cleveland, OH.  At another spot was a highly decorated racer that would have been fun to drive around town.

After our walk, sponsored by the Baltimore Volksmarch Club, we drove to Harbor Place and ate at the Rusty Scupper restaurant located right on the Baltimore Harbor.  Since it was our 55th wedding anniversary we splurged a little.  Peggy chose Mahi Mahi and I chose Chilean Sea Bass for our entrees.

I have heard that Megan has grown fond of the city....New York, especially....since spending a good chunk of time there for her treatments.  We'll have to get her into Baltimore and have her explore this city sometime.

Previous total    51K
Current                6K
Total                  57K (goal 100K)

Pagoda in Patterson Park

Row houses commonly seen in Baltimore

Peggy on an old time cellar door

Quite an interesting racer

Peggy at Rusty Scupper with Baltimore skyline in background

A Walk with Megan in Columbia, MD.

We completed a 5K walk sponsored by the Columbia Volksmarch Club.  Columbia, MD is a planned community, which I remember having its start in the 60's.  It  was planned with open spaces, connecting paths and a friendly lifestyle setting.  Of course, now with any urban site it has its problems too.

However, our walk took us into the Wilde Lake community, over paths and around a man made lake.  There was lush greenery everywhere, probably due to the abundance of rain recently received.  (remember Ellicott City down the road?)  We spotted a great blue heron at the dam.  Some of the streets have unusual names...one was "Gray Owl Garth."  Along the path was a mini outdoor library where you could chose a book to take home.  Columbia seems to stress the appreciation of art, so we noticed an interesting sculpture.  See below...make your own interpretation.

Megan spoke about her interest in planting flowers and vegetables at her new residence in Buffalo, NY.  We hope she enjoys the wonders of Spring and the satisfaction to see the colors of growth as we did on our walk.

This walk took us over the halfway mark for a goal of 100K..a walk with Megan. (Yeah!)

Previous   46K
Current       5K
Total         51K (Goal 100K)

Peggy on the path around Wilde Lake

The dam at Wilde Lake

A Great Blue Heron spotted

A Mini Outdoor Library

Interesting sculpture

What???Gray Owl Garth??

A Hike at North Manchester, IN.

While Peggy and I were visiting my sister, Lois,  in North Manchester, IN, we took a 2K hike near and on the campus of  my alma mater, Manchester Univ.(formally Manchester College)   To get there we traveled over the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Ohio Turnpike and headed down rte #24 past Fort Wayne, IN to North Manchester, IN to Timbercrest Senior Community where Lois lives.

Our travels to Indiana took us to a weekend celebration of Lois' 90th birthday.  We enjoyed a reunion with family and friends while there, including my other sister, Mary Alice and her husband, Tom.  We were reunited with our niece, Mary Anna, and nephews, Tim and Michael.  And further we enjoyed seeing many of Lois' grand children and great grand children.

After the festivities of the weekend, we decided to take a hike on Monday, May 21, in honor of Megan.  This hike took us out of the Timbercrest community and into North Manchester, IN and on to the campus of Manchester Univ. where I graduated in 1960.  Some new buildings were not so familiar to me, but I could recognize the Administration bldg. as it stood in my memory.  Also the celebrated fountain was there.  Tradition was that new engaged couples (or perhaps the prospective grooms) were thrown into the water to initiate them to their marriage plans.  My chemistry classroom and lab building had been remodeled and turned into a computer science hall.

Memories of our college years stick with us and  college years become a significant influence on our lives.  I remember, clearly,  Megan's graduation from Binghamton Univ in her home town.  It was quite a festive day.  Now she is planning to attend Univ.of Buffalo as a graduate student.  Our best to her on this new adventure!

Previous    44K
Current        2K
Total          46K (Goal 100K)

Administration Bldg at Manchester Univ.

Traditional fountain

My remodeled chemistry hall

Remaining Bagwell family (sister Mary Alice, myself, and the 90 yr old, Lois)