My Local Walking Group

At a holiday gathering last December, I was re-introduced to part of the hostess’ walking group.  The prior year when I was first introduced they immediately asked if I wanted to join them on any Monday, Wednesday, or Friday since their route went right by the end of my street and they could see my house.  The first time they asked, I said, “That sounds good and maybe I would join them.”  I promptly forgot.  Then, the following year with their second offer, I said, “Sure, I’ll do Wednesdays after the New Year starts.”   

Since then, I have joined Pat, Trish, Tommi, Isa, and sometimes Linda or Patti on Wednesdays.  The number of walkers varies as vacations, visitors, and commitments come up.  The time shifts between 7:30 a.m. to take advantage of the cooler hour in the summer and 7:45 a.m. when the high school is in session to miss the teenage drivers and traffic. The route is consistent and gives us a good 3.6 miles with hills and flat stretches to be covered in a little over an hour.  Overall, it’s a flexible group with no roll call or rules other than show up to walk. 

With any group, a walk involves talking.   The conversation within this group covers everything under the sun…a real potpourri of topics.  There is never a shortage of words to be shared or opinions given.  As regular travelers along the route, everyone is quick to point out any changes along the way in-between walks.  Such was the case in early spring as we watched the little “hole in the wall” storefront on Pier Avenue under-going construction.  We all speculated what would open there.  Then one day, we were greeted as we walked down toward the pier by a young man with a tray of warm cinnamon taste treats fresh from the oven.  The smell was heavenly.  The taste was fantastic.  The enthusiasm of the owner was energizing that early in the morning.

Over the last 6 months, I’ve carried some spare cash with me so that I could purchase one of these delicious bakery items as a special calorie splurge.  Our walking group schedule and my other weekend walk times never coincided with the store's open hours.  Today, as we passed that way, the storefront had a different look…a somehow sadder feel emanated through the windows.  It was closed permanently. 

We all remembered the enthusiasm of the owner and the wonderfulness of the product he produced.   It takes courage, conviction and luck to succeed with a new venture.  I sincerely hope his enthusiasm stays with him ….waiting for the right place and the right time to succeed.