Sunday, April 24, 2011

Off We Go


As first days go I doubt I could have expected anything better than yesterday. I was joined by my father, my stepmother, my friends Scott and Sue, as well as Sue's parents and aunt at the starting line.
The expedition began in an ominous fashion, with dark clouds and a bumbling trip around Henlopen trying to find the famed bunker at the starting line. I then managed to "lose" my camera in one of my many pockets.
Fortunately, we eventually found the beginning of the trail, the weather cleared by late morning, and my camera showed up in the pocket it had been residing in the whole time I was freaking myself out needlessly about its absence. Scott and Dad both joined me on the trail for the day, a simple traipse through flat land from Cape Henlopen to Milton.
We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Taste of Italy in the picturesque seaside community of Lewes along the way. The kind of fresh, delicious ingredients they serve are unparalleled in Greenville - my sandwich was perhaps the best I have ever eaten. I also got called pal about eight times by the guy at the register, so I think I made my first friend.
The remaining thirteen miles between Lewes and Milton were fairly uneventful. I know how much I already miss the company of Scott and Dad, having them with me for company and conversation made the distance melt away. My stepmother will be joining me today for my Easter walk.
We were rewarded by our arrival in Milton with the sight of Irish Eyes, a lovely pub where we congratulated each other on a great day with a tasty pint. The rest of the crew met up with us there and after a shower at the hotel we headed to Rehoboth Beach and enjoyed a flight of brews and a fabulous dinner at the Dogfish Head restaurant there. I want to thank everyone who joined me for Day One on the American Discovery Trail, your presence eased my apprehension and made the first miles very memorable ones.

16 miles/16 total miles

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome! I feel like I was there with you. Delaware is nice and flat, eh? -Sarah

Anonymous said...

Happy Easter bro, hope you have more good weather today! And I am glad to hear you didn't lose your camera on the first day.

-Colin

Jennie Dwyer said...

Ken and I are very proud that you are doing this. Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

Keep on keepin' on, bro!
-Colin Stewart

Alastair McCandless said...

Delaware is indeed quite flat and with my small entourage it is a nice way to ease into things, if walking 15-20 miles a day can be said to be easy.

R. Mera Velásquez said...

Cool stuff, bud. Delaware can be crossed in 12-15 mins on the highway when there's no traffic.

BTW, let me know where you are and I can give you a head's up on severe weather. It's kind of my job.

Anonymous said...

We had a great time with you on Saturday, I am so glad all the timing worked out perfectly! I hope you had a good day yesterday, and that today is equally fun. At least you were staying in a hotel last night when all those thunderstorms were coming through! We'll see you in another week! :)

Sue Gelinas

Anonymous said...

We had a great time with you and your Dad and Step-Mom on Saturday! My parents and my aunt really enjoyed getting to know you guys. I hope your walk yesterday was a good one and that today is just as good. I was very glad you were staying in an hotel last night, because of those very bad thunderstorms that were raging in this area! We'll see you in about a week! :)

Sue Gelinas

Chris Mc said...

Good work on day one. Especially the two quality restaurant finds!