Burned Down House

My sister lived in a beautiful, old (125 years) house in Mickleton, NJ, that she loved like a member of her own family.  At one time it had been owned by the Heritage family of Dairy fame.  

On March 12, 2015, when she was at work (she works in the Hospitality Industry and was working at a catered event in Cherry Hill) the house burned down.  She called me on the phone around 9:30 p.m. and told me her son had phoned her to tell her the house was on fire. He had been up in his room and heard his father calling out.  He ran down to find his father, bathrobe smoldering and the sofa on fire.  They ran out in time but despite the dedicated efforts of the firemen, the house was completely burned out.  We all lost a lot.

My sister lost everything she had ever owned, including for example, our deceased mother's life long collection of cranberry glass service for ten for our family Thanksgiving.  Irreplaceable.  Lost also were ten large scale landscapes of mine, framed and hanging in the hall, four still life paintings in the kitchen, and two animal portraits recently completed for her birthday.  The list could go on for pages of the irreplaceable and heartbreaking losses.

At the same time, she and her partner separated.  They'd been somewhat estranged but had stayed together for their son, and their shared home.  He left that night.  We stayed until 6:30 in the morning hoping that the one dog not yet rescued would be found.  They brought out his body and those of the two cats at daybreak.  

The last three weeks have been an endless blur of phone calls, errands, arrangements.  Needless to say, my sister and her son came to stay with me till she could find a new place, along with her rescued dog and cat.  Each week brought small steps of progress.  First, she was finally able to get her truck out of the rubble strewn drive and on the road.  Friends set up funding and other friends collected furnishings.  This week, she found a place to rent.  Also, this week, I returned to some normal version of my life, and made two hikes.  

My hiking pals and I have gone to Pakim Pond, and Atsion, where I could find air, peace and the healing powers of nature.  Needless to say, I haven't visited any historic places or made any interesting expeditions.  I even missed Lines On the Pines.  However, there is plenty here from easier times for anyone looking for places to go or things to do!  

Happy Trails!
Jo Ann

Heart Beet - Great Place to eat!

Yesterday, two friends and I were on our way for lunch and a walk.  We stopped at Sabrina's in Collingswood but it was jam packed and very noisy, so we moved on to another place we had heard about but not tried yet - Heat Beet, 29 Haddon Ave., Westmont, NJ.  609-214-2419, owner Ashley Coyne.

Two of us had the bean burger which was the best bean burner I have ever had and I've tried them everywhere I have found them on the menu including Applebees, Wildflowers, Sabrinias, Under the Moon, just off the top of my head.  It was delicious! 

Today, on my way home from hiking Pakim Pond, I phoned in an order for the BLT, which is also vegan, but so tasty!  What a perfect day, a nice hike around Pakim Pond while the sunshine lasted and a super delicious sandwich when I got home with my take-out from Heart Beet.  I strongly recommend you give it a try and I'm getting ready now to invite a friend who has a birthday coming up.  You don't have to be a vegan or a vegetarian to enjoy a food adventure in that world.  Also, it was a ver quiet and serene atmosphere;  I like a small restaurant/cafe' experience.

Happy Trails!

Oh yes, before I forget, a quareter of the trail around Pakim Pond is flooded, snow melt and rain run-off, so wear waterproof if you are hiking there.  My new hiking sticks helped me balance for hopping and tightrope walking on roots.  It has een flooded all week, which would never hold me back from my favorite spot and also my dog's favorite spot, but you should be warned to wear your wellies or take the Cranberry Trail!

Flat Trails for Hiking

It occurred to me the other day, when I was hiking the Maurice River path in Millville, that I should mention both that trail and the Canal Path in Bordentown as excellent places to hike if you are avoiding ups and downs and tick season.  

I have knee trouble which waxes and wanes along with treatment and exercise, so I appreciate a nice flat paved trail.  In the center of the city of Millville, is the River walk, cross the river to the south side and the trail goes on for a good 3 or so miles.  I've never walked to the end of it by friends have.  I am generally limited to about 2 miles these days.
Oh, bor the days when I was in the 1000 mile club of the Outdoor Club.  It would have been nothing for me to walk 7 miles in a day, but those days are over and 3 miles is a good workout for me.

The Bordentown Canal path is straight through town on Farnsworth, down to the lower level when the road divides.  You go through a walled section of road, turn right and park, then you can see the bridge and the trail.  I don't know how long this trail is either but it is clear and although not paved, well trod and free of brush.  

Today, I enjoyed a visit with my favorite place on  earth, Pakim Pond.  The waters were gurgling cheerfully and from all directions, filling the pond back up after its freeze up of winter.  The rangers dismantled the beaver dam and the water hurries through like a chatting stream of commuters.  The glassy watershed is draining off and refreshing Pakim Pond, and the carnivorous plants are back.  The colonies had dried up during the autumn drought, but they are popping up through the earth now.

Happy Trails!  
Jo Ann

ps.  A truly excellent acoustic concert was enjoyed by the denizens of Bogart's Book Store in Millville.  The Musician was John, the Medicine Man, a beautiful voice, wonderful guitar playing and a stellar repertoire of covers of songs by artists such as Neil Young,and Linda Rondstat.  Bogarts will be moving, but only up the street a few stores, so if you stop in for a coffee after your hike, and find them gone, just ask around or wander up the street half a block and you should find them re-installed in their new digs.