Rick and I had a poignant, interesting and fun day recently. We headed to Kalamazoo, Michigan (where he used to live) for the memorial service of a friend of Rick's. As longtime readers of this blog know, Rick is an avid cyclist, with a racing past and a present that includes a passion for lengthy bike hikes. But he considers his greatest life accomplishment as being the "Father of the Kal-Haven Trail," a cycling trail that goes from Kalamazoo to South Haven, Michigan and the first rail trail in the state.
His friend who passed, Mike, was one of his colleagues when working on the trail. As Rick often says, "the trail was built on the shoulders of many" and Mike was one of them.
Rick played his guitar during part of the reception but mostly it was a time for all to remember Mike, who was quite an amazing man. It was the kind of day where you left feeling enriched and, in my case, sorry I did not know him better.
After that, we drove through Rick's old neighborhood and by his old house. He loved that house and I can see why. It was in a wonderful neighborhood.
When Rick lived there, there was a park across the street with a steep, wooded incline below. Now the area is a playground for the adjacent school, but Rick couldn't resist a walk in the woods.
But the real woods he wanted to visit this day were those of the Kal-Haven trail. It was especially fitting as we had just said "goodbye" to Mike. We took a long walk from the trail head (which has, fittingly for a rail trail, this old caboose at its start.)
The walk was about a mile in total (for us -- you could go many miles more!) We saw some beautiful wildflowers. The smell of honeysuckle brought back memories for me and was a fragrant accompaniment to the walk.
I especially liked the wild phlox.
It was a perfect day, late in the afternoon, but we saw many people using the trail. That was a good feeling -- there were cyclists, walker and joggers, all out enjoying this wonderful resource.
What a wonderful spot for exercise or simply for contemplation.
Then it was off to dinner at another "Rick Place." Now it is named Cosmos, but when he worked there are a cook in the 1980s, it was called The Exchange. It's a charming restaurant and what makes it even better, it is in a neighborhood with a pub underneath. These neighbors have a good thing going on!
When we got home to a hungry Lizzie, it was good to be back, but oh, it was such a memorable day.
I can see why he loves it so much.
7 comments:
My deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful friend. You both look great. Hugs. xoxo.
rsrue.blogspot.com
Wow, what a cool trip - LITERALLY going down memory lane. It's so fun to revisit old places to see how they've changed since our youth. Sometimes I wish I could go inside places - my childhood home, my elementary school - to see if they match the picture in my head. Most likely they do not!
I got excited. I thought the couple walking in the photo with the bike were both carrying big cameras. But they just look like water bottles on closer inspection. :(
Oh, what a delightful visit this must have been! Your words, your stories, your recollections, your photos and your smiles are warm and charming! You have captured the history and experience that was envisioned and will remain long beyond our years on this earth. Special thanks to Rick and those who applied their shoulders and spirits to this wonderful trail! And thanks to Jeannie for telling this story so well!
Jeanie, this is a lovely post. Remembering Rick’s friend, walking the trail that Rick and his friend among others built, Rick’s house from the past, the meal at the restaurant where Rick had worked…all of this made for a memorable day. Thanks for sharing it with us!
My condolences for the lost of a wonderful friend. You and Rick have lots of great memories of his friendship. He had a great vision along with others who helped create the trail. Lots of people will be using it for generations.
Such mixed feelings after reading this post: memorials are such bittersweet occasions, but they are often a great opportunity to connect with others, share stories, and pause to appreciate the community that supported the deceased. And then, that Kal-Haven trail looks amazing -- Rick is right to count that as one of his life achievements -- and I hope to see it someday.
We periodically visit Kalamazoo. I attended school there, and the Kalamazoo Nature Center is one of my sacred places -- their beech and maple forests are worth the visit, especially on a sunny autumn day.
And the restaurant you visited is housed in the same place as one of my favorite restaurants from my own college days: The Troubadour (famous for Russian Tea and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches). So glad to see that this space is still launching new incarnations of wonderful restaurants.
What a great day! (And, thanks for bringing back these memories!)
Post a Comment