Sunsets Are Better With Company

Distance walking is an inherently solitary activity. I've been looking for a partner in my ambulatory activities for quite awhile now, and although I've has some casual interest (and even a few takers for some short jaunts), I have not been able to corral anyone else onto the trail with any consistency.

I'd hoped that pictures of sunrises:

Wow...Just Wow - Anacostia River Sunrise - Washington, DC

 - or sunsets:

Painted River - Anacostia Sunset - Washington, DC

- might entice a fellow traveller or two to join me on my journey. That has not been the case, and I suppose I'm alright with that outcome. Walking is a solitary (though rarely lonely) activity.

The absence of a regular partner makes the times I can coax someone out to join me even more special, and yesterday, I managed to get my two small male roommates away from killing zombies and giant worms on their X-Box long enough to take a jaunt out to the wrecked sailboat I've been visiting.

After we got down to the beach, they exhibited an adventurous streak that surprised me a little, and they insisted on exploring the boat.  Cold water didn't stop them, and they seemed to genuinely enjoy the experience.

Bridge Building - Severn River - Annapolis, MD

After trying in vain to keep dry, they decided that they'd just go ahead and take the plunge.

Making the Leap - Severn River - Annapolis, MD

Reports back from the wreck indicate it is filled with water, Jamaican coffee, a bag of marshmallows, and more than a few stacks of party plates. No pirate booty, I'm stad to report.

Boys on a Boat - Severn River - Annapolis, MD

When I go out on the trail, I'm never really sure what's going to happen, but every time I head out things seem to come together in a way that was destined to work out all right by powers much greater than myself. 

With any manner of luck, I'll be granted the opportunity to hit the trail again tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to the fulfillment and adventure that's sure to follow.

A Brief Note on Libraries

In pursuit of the pilgrimage, I've really grown fond of being outside chasing the sun and putting in miles on the trail. There's a new adventure around every turn, and I've found that the anticipation and the discovery is worth every step in the course of exploration.

Pining for Spring - City Dock - Annapolis, MD

During this time I've found another temple of exploration and adventure. The Library.

I remember reading about the Great Library at Alexandria, Egypt back when I was in middle school.  I also remember heading out to the library in our home town on the weekends with my dad. To be honest, I wasn't always thrilled to be going with him. He'd spend time in the stacks looking up books on fly fishing and camping, and I'd usually be able to find something in the kid or young adult section to occupy my time...once I stopped complaining and buckled down.

Fast Forward to high school and college, and somehow, my view of the library as a hall of drudgery and work became even further entrenched.  It became the place I went to study and put in the grind to get the grades.  I'd avoid it if I could, and when I couldn't stay away, I'd endeavor to make my stay as brief as possible.

It's taken me two decades to get back into the library again after the high school and college experience. That's a real same. During that time, I can't tell you how much money I've spend on books, but you can rest assured that it was in the thousands of dollars. Not a complete waste, but at least a little wasteful.

I'm grateful to be back in this great hall of learning and self-improvement. In addition to being a real money saver over the last six months, I've really come to appreciate the gems of literature that I've stumbled upong wandering the collection. They've all added joy to my life.

If you're a librarian, thanks for waiting patiently for the prodigal son to return. If you only visit the library, please don't take the place for granted like I did for the last twenty years.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know at least two places I can find peace, learning, and adventure...outside and at the library.