Day 269 – 2/17/12 – Roads Rivers and Trails

Cincinnati to Milford; Distance = 18 Miles; People Met = 9+

This day felt like our walk into St. Louis.  There we walked through upscale development and parks into the city center and skyscrapers.  Here in Cincinnati we started with skyscrapers and walked away through upscale development and parks to Milford.  This day also felt like a distinct contrast to another city.

We came into Sacramento on a raw, overcast day in June, back when we were determining that sunny California must be a myth.  We stopped for a lunch break near a museum but needed to get hiking again soon because of the cold.  We stopped for lunch today near the Krohn Conservatory, basking in yet another mild February day.  We could have just stayed there to soak in the sun.  Over the long haul things tend to even out.

What was neat about today’s walk was the variety of people we encountered.  I needed help finding our way out of the city center; I first approached Deandre, an African-American who was keeping the streets clean in the neighborhood around the Cincinnati Reds stadium.  He walked with us a bit to guide us and reacted to what we were doing with an incredulous, infectious laugh.

Deandre

We still needed help a few blocks later and approached Bob Smyth.  Bob also guided us along for a bit and then tried to explain how we might proceed over the Mt. Adams neighborhood, which was now in view.  Kathleen Brinkman, a former resident from that area, witnessed the scene and came up to provide additional assistance.  We thus were the catalyst for introducing two lawyers to each other.  See how kindness conquers all!

Lawyers Bob Smyth and Kathleen Brinkman

In the Hyde Park area an elderly Jean Abrahamson came right up to us, marveling at what we were doing.  She was an author and insisted on mailing us books on manners that she wrote.  Um, let me clarify here.  Jean wanted to do something kind for us, not remedy a desperate need for manners.  At least I think that was her intention.

Jean Abrahamson

Near the end of the day we were on a bike trail nearing Milford.  Two young women were ahead of us; I figured they must be heading into Milford as well.  We are always looking for company to talk to and I asked them if we could join them.  They weren’t going all the way to Milford after all, but Lauren called her boyfriend to alert him about a change in plans.  We finished the day in the delightful company of Lauren Teresa and Laney Binkley, both bosom buddies from the same nondenominational Crossroads Church.

Lauren and Laney

Our destination was Roads Rivers and Trails, the outfitting store where we obtained maps on Tuesday.  Josh was there waiting for us, along with his friend Ben this time.  He pumped us for more information about the ADT, in preparation for his journey to Montana beginning in March.  Owners Emily and Joe treated us to Mountain House freeze dried dinners, which we cooked right in the store.  We went home with owner Kara to stay the night with her and roommate Joyce Brockman.

Emily tending shop at Roads Rivers and Trails

Kara and Joyce

Other Photos

Peter gave us a discount on soda

Lipstick on a pig