Yesterday, the 2nd was a very long day. I set out west along the I-70/US-40 corridor toward Terre Haute, IN. A couple of positive notes about the day.
I stopped to fuel up in a little burg just east of Zanesville, OH and went into the mart to cadge a cup of coffee. Because riding with a cuppa is beyond my abilities, a small cup to drink right away was in order. There is no such thing as a small cup it seems, only 20 ounces (medium) and up. So I filled a medium cup about half way and took it to the counter. The man behind the register, whose name I learned is Erik, was aghast that I should pay for less than a flagon of this black gold. (I exaggerate maybe a little.). That started a conversation that lasted a delightful 30 minutes. I know you’re as surprised as I.
Turns out he’s of retirement age but is working part time to earn some cash and fill some hours. He’s affable and funny and erudite and kind and really interesting,
He grew up in rural Ohio and ultimately graduated from a local conservatory with a degree in Music. He was trained by a maestro from Julliard in NYC, and has played Beethoven sonatas from an original score. He also rides a 2001 Yamaha cruiser and loves the hills and back roads that he would be delighted to share. He wanted to know about our trip with lots of details. What a gem of a man! And his boss loves him as does everyone who came in. Message: don’t underestimate the people we meet. Expect the unexpected. I hope to meet him again one day.
Another high point was a stop in Richmond, IN, just over the border from Ohio. It was lunchtime and I ate at the Cracker Barrel just off the highway. (Love their pancakes.). Downtown was just a mile down the road so I went, finding some elegant buildings dating from the 20’s and older. And there is a wonderful oasis from the heat, called the Glen Miller Park. I was delighted by the beauty and peacefulness there, but a bit disappointed to learn that it had nothing to do the famous swing band leader. I learned it was named for Colonel John Ford Miller who bought this shady glen and opened it as a park in 1885. It was great, though.
Richmond also boasts the founding of Gennet Records, which featured recordings of Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, Jelly Roll Morton and Gene Autry. The label is closed long ago, but it’s quite the source of hometown pride.
After dilly dallying at my stops, I hustled on to my destination in Terre Haute. The exhaustion at the end of the day was self inflicted, I admit. But really worth it. I checked in at 8:30, took a shower and sank gratefully into the arms of sweet Morpheus.
Today I started out with great determination and a commitment to stay on schedule. Yeah, well.
Since my route took me by St Louis, I detoured to look at the home where my family in Kirkwood. My memory being quite vivid, I really thought it would be easy to find. Again yeah, well. Neglecting to use Google Maps, my direct route turned into so many concentric circles. I passed Schnucks Grocery (yes, that is a real name) but the homestead lane was an elusive mystery. Even after stopping to consult the app, it still took more than an hour to find it. But find it I did.
The current owner graciously met me at the door and allowed a few pics. It has really changed. The saplings my folks planted are now towering trees that offer a cooling shade it the hot, humid, crushing heat of that part of the Mississippi Valley. My wobbling memory met with a pleasant dose of updated reality. And the folks who live there are the same who bought from my parents, so there was a happy connection.
By then it was lunchtime so I took a chance on an Indian restaurant in town, called Anis Hyderabad House in Creve Couer. Modern in all respects, it provided Bollywood music videos on a giant screen and super delicious food. I had a veggie Buryani that was to die for. My mouth smarted afterwards but it was worth it. Had to open my visor to let the airstream do its cooling thing.
Along the way, the contraption that allows me to place my phone on the handlebars (hands free map) decided to crap out. Fortunately I noticed it’s demise just in time and was able to save the phone and stow it in my tank bag. A little dicey at 70+. Which led me to pull over to get my center again. Which led to a meeting with two riders on the way to the Grand Canyon via Ft Collins CO. Herb and Ryan are a father/son duo from Ohio who are living the dream. so we chatted for a while. (Well, yeah.) Their joy was contagious and helped me find my focus.
Even allowing for the time change, it was still a 10 hour ride. So here I sit after a shower (public service) and a cold drink. I think of the days so far and am amazed. I’ve traveled three days, logged over 1200 miles, my butt is suing for separate maintenance, and I’ve enjoyed the whole thing. The scenery is beautiful, though west of Columbus, OH it flattens out. But there are so many great folks whose paths I’ve crossed.
What’s neat is that we humans are often more likely to be open and engaging with total strangers. Isn’t that funny? We share our stories and are glad for the meeting. I am fortunate and blessed.
Tomorrow it’s off to Kansas. Have a good night.
Wandering Retirees 