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Southern US/2-2025
  • Myron Bontrager
Feb – Mei 2025

Southern US/2-2025

This is our post-retirement trip. We are heading to St. Augustine, Fl. and then heading west. I will be riding bike and Dana will drive our PLUM Mobile (named by our grandkids, signifying Peace/Love/Understanding/Mobile. We have no agenda, no plans. Baca lagi
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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Roswell, NM (Pop. 47,109)

    13 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌬 33 °C

    It felt good sleeping in cool temperatures. We almost felt spoiled, but that feeling quickly faded. This morning, I took some of our belongings outside and was surprised by how cool the air felt. However, we knew the temperatures would climb back into the 90s again, so we enjoyed the coolness while we could.

    We were headed to Roswell, NM, just to say we'd been there. Roswell is only about 70 miles north of Carlsbad. We had plenty of time, so we thought it would be fun to check the place out. The trip was about 200 miles in total, and most of it was, unfortunately, rather uninspiring. The area is dry and hot, with little greenery to be found in the vast fields. Instead of lush vegetation, we saw many oil pumps busy extracting black gold. The fields were littered with electric poles and pumps, creating a pretty depressing scene. As we crossed into New Mexico, we finally saw some green fields. There was less oil equipment, and in its place, irrigation systems dotted the landscape.

    We arrived in Roswell around 11:00 a.m. Mountain Time and found a coffee shop where we could plan our next steps. The town was brimming with all things "alien." Dunkin’ and McDonald's both had alien-themed displays in their establishments. We walked down the main street, checking out the downtown area, and stumbled upon a UFO museum. It was only $5 each, so we figured it was worth a visit. The most intriguing part was the extensive displays about the July 4, 1947, "Roswell Incident." You can read more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident. There was definitely some sort of incident, followed by a quick government cover-up. Was it an alien invasion or a secret military operation? That’s the million-dollar question. I’ll let you decide for yourself.

    After the museum, we headed back to the PLUM and took short naps before venturing out again. We noticed an art center with glowing reviews and decided to visit. I drove over, only to discover it was temporarily closed. Dana chose to walk the six blocks anyway, so I parked and waited for her. She certainly took her time! After about half an hour, she returned, explaining that she had stopped by a "Food Not Bombs" table where they were giving out food to anyone who needed it—no questions asked. She spent some time talking with the director and found the conversation fascinating.

    We decided to drive back to the small park where they were distributing food under one of the few shade trees in the city. Dana introduced me to Jocelyn, the director. We chatted for a while, and I asked Jocelyn if she would be open to a recorded conversation. She immediately agreed. After the food distribution was finished, I set up my equipment, and the conversation began. What a fascinating story, and what amazing people! Jocelyn and her partner both came from very difficult childhoods, and they’re doing incredible work supporting vulnerable individuals. Dana and I were both blown away by our time with them. Their story is truly one worth hearing and should be published in about two weeks.

    Now, after our time at the park, we’re settling in for the evening, feeling that our trip to Roswell was well worth the drive. We came expecting to see aliens, but instead, we found amazing humans.

    “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” —Charles Glassman    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025
    1

    Van Horn, Tx. (Pop. 1,683)

    14 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Our mission today was to get to Carlsbad Caverns. We had tickets for 12:30 and about two hours to get there. We decided to do what we do best: find a coffee shop and relax. And that’s exactly what we did! We discovered the Blue House Coffee Shop. When we arrived, we noticed the line was out the door—but the other door. So, we left and joined the end of the line. Slowly but surely, the line moved, and soon we were fourth in line.

    During our wait, several people passed by, saying, "Excuse me," as they cut through the line to pick up their drinks. The barista also came out at one point, excused herself, and squeezed through the line to check whether the air pots needed refilling. A boy’s name was called, and he darted through the line to grab his two drinks. When my turn came, I ordered a feta and spinach croissant (warmed up, please) and two hot drinks. After a moment, my name was called for the croissant. I had to navigate through the line to retrieve it, only to repeat the same process a few minutes later for our drinks. It was probably the most inefficient ordering/pickup system I’ve ever seen. To be fair, the limited space made it challenging to organize. Still, as I watched the chaos, I thought to myself, Give me five minutes, and I’ll streamline this process. I bit my tongue, though, and we enjoyed our drinks and croissant.

    We headed to the caverns and arrived early, hoping we could get in ahead of schedule, but we couldn’t. So, we returned to the PLUM, had some lunch, and took naps. Being recently retired, naps are mandatory. At 12:30, we headed back to check in for our descent into the depths of the earth. We planned to walk down and take the elevator back up.

    At the entrance, a young staff member asked if we were sure we wanted to walk down. When we confirmed, he warned us about how steep and lengthy the path was, explaining that most wheelchair assistance requests come from people attempting the descent. Once more, he asked, “Are you sure?” With a touch of amusement, we replied, Yes, sonny, we want to take the walk. Nodding, he unclipped the cord to let us through. Kids!

    The hike was 1.25 miles of steady descent—800 feet down. The trail was well-maintained, beginning outside before heading into the cave. I kept my sunglasses on without giving it much thought until we entered the dimly lit cave. Although the path was illuminated, it seemed quite dark to me. Here’s a tidbit about myself: I’m a bit claustrophobic. When spaces feel too tight or too dark, I sometimes start to feel as if I’m suffocating. While I’m not extremely claustrophobic, I have had my moments. I began to wonder if I’d made a mistake venturing into the caverns. Then it hit me—I still had my sunglasses on. The instant I removed them, I felt much better.

    We continued down the path, taking in the impressive sights, and were glad we had opted for the walk. The doubting young staff member should have given us more credit—we handled it just fine. Of course, we took the elevator back up. We’re adventurous, not foolish.

    We briefly considered staying to watch the bats emerge from the cavern, but I didn’t want to leave too late, and Dana wasn’t particularly keen on watching bats. So, we left and headed south. On the way, we stopped for a short hike at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It was conveniently on our route and offered a rugged sort of Western beauty.

    As I was driving through the barren western region, I was reminded of some of the old country western music I used to listen to. I found some of that genre on Spotify and listened for about 45 minutes. I was reminded of how much I dislike that music. I think I’ve had my fix for the next 50 years. :)

    We arrived in Van Horn around 5:00 p.m., ate at a Mexican restaurant, and parked at a Pilot Travel Center for the night. By the time we’re back home, we might need the sound of traffic for our white noise.

    The air tonight is cool, and tomorrow is expected to be cooler than the past few days. We’ll be heading to Terlingua tomorrow. We’ve rented a room just outside Big Bend National Park and plan to explore the area on Wednesday.

    “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” —John Templeton    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Terlingua, Tx. (Pop. 78-Ghost Town)

    15 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Pilot Travel Center treated us well. We were also treated to the thunder of several motorcycles arriving during the night, along with a number of semi-trucks. In reality, we slept through most of it and quickly drifted back to sleep after each disturbance.

    In the morning, we headed into the truck stop to grab our coffee, which we enjoyed before hitting the road. We had about 185 miles to cover and all day to reach our destination, so we took our time.

    Our first stop was Marfa, a small town with a population of around 1,900. We had read about its thriving art scene and were excited to see what the buzz was about. Dana found Sentinel Coffee House, and we decided to start there. It did not disappoint—it might just be the best coffee shop we’ve visited on this trip. The ambience was amazing, a mix of Southwest charm, Mexican flair, and an artsy vibe that tied it all together beautifully. We were pleasantly surprised and loved exploring all the small, thoughtful touches that made the place feel special.

    After Sentinel, we wandered around the downtown area. Some of the buildings were cool, but most of them were closed, and we didn’t find anything particularly notable. South of town, we came across a glamping complex with funky RVs, yurts, teepees, and other unique overnight spots. They were a bit pricey, but very cool to see.

    Next, we made our way to Alpine, a town of about 7,000, also known for its artistic leanings. We found an ice cream shop and enjoyed our treats in a breezy, slightly chilly park. While walking around, we stumbled upon Vise Coffee and decided to give it a try. The bagel and coffee were good, but it didn’t quite measure up to Sentinel.

    I headed back to the PLUM for a nap, while Dana kept exploring. She discovered that for much of Alpine's history, the town was divided—literally—by a set of railroad tracks. The Mexican population was forced to live south of the tracks and needed permits to cross into the non-Mexican part of town. Ironically, this land once belonged to Mexico, until war and politics changed its fate. In many ways, it feels like not much has changed over the past hundred years.

    From Alpine, we headed south to Terlingua, a ghost town that once boomed during the 19th-century quicksilver rush. When the quicksilver boom ended, the town was quickly abandoned. Today, aside from offering lodging for Big Bend National Park visitors, there isn’t much going on. We found the Starlight Theater, which was basically our only dining option. Dana had read that we should arrive before 5:00 p.m., when the doors open, as a line typically forms early. I chuckled—it was a Tuesday night; how busy could it really be? Turns out, very busy. We got there at 4:45, and there was already a decent line forming. That just goes to show how much I don’t know.

    We waited about 15 minutes for a table and were soon seated. I ordered the Antelope Burger with sweet potato fries, while Dana went for the brisket tacos. Both were excellent choices.

    After dinner, we stopped in at an old historic cemetery. It was started in the early 1900s and is still used for burials. It was a fascinating experience. On the one hand it seemed quite chaotic but on the other hand, there was a certain beauty and creativity in its apparent randomness. Who says all cemetery plots need to be neatly laid out in perfect rows?

    We left the cemetery and headed back to our motel—a simple, no-frills place that reminded us of the old mom-and-pop motels from the '60s and '70s. It’s clean but definitely outdated. Still, it was less than half the price of the other places we looked into, so we’re happy with it and expect to sleep well tonight.

    You're here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break; Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them." Psalm 82:3-4    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Sanderson, Tx. (Pop. 716)

    16 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    The alarm rang at 6:00 a.m., and I was up and ready to get the coffee brewing. I walked over to the PLUM, fired up the stove, and soon we were sitting on the chairs outside our motel room. Neither of us had slept well, but the coffee helped clear the fog and cobwebs from our minds. The sun was just beginning to push back the darkness, and soon we were in our vehicle, heading toward Santa Elena Canyon.

    The canyon trailhead is located at the far western edge of the park and features a trail about a mile long. It took us around 45 minutes to get there. We ate a quick sandwich, packed water and snacks into the backpack, and set out along a small, mostly dry riverbed. We knew we had to cross the river but couldn’t immediately see where the trail continued on the other side, so we spent a few minutes searching. We saw several people across the river and heard a woman call out instructions: “Head down to where the river dries up, cross over, and you’ll see a gnarly tree coming out of the side of the bank—about eight feet straight up. Use the branches to pull yourself up, and then you’ll see the path.” We followed her directions and were soon on the trail.

    Not long after, I noticed another woman also trying to find the path, so I shouted the same instructions: “Head down to where the river dries up…” Before long, she was behind us on the trail. As we reached the end, we all converged—us, the woman we’d helped, and a family from the UK (parents now living in the U.S., with their daughter still in the UK). We chatted and admired the stunning beauty of the canyon, which made us all feel small and in awe. On the way back, we walked with Carolyn, a solo traveler from Washington state spending four days in Big Bend National Park. She had plans to do plenty of hiking before heading home.

    After the canyon, we drove to the Chisos Basin Overlook. It was impressive, though the drive there might’ve been more exciting than the overlook itself.

    Next, we went to the Rio Grande Overlook. We expected a view of the river, but it turned out to be more of a valley view—nice, but underwhelming compared to what we had imagined.

    Our next stop was the Big Bend Hot Springs. By this time, the temperature had climbed, and the sun was intense. We drove the PLUM a mile down a bumpy gravel road, only to come across a sign saying that vehicles with dual wheels couldn’t proceed. So we parked and began walking. It was hot, and a few cars passed us until a couple in a truck kindly stopped and offered us a ride—we were grateful. We’d planned to get into the water, but with the air temperature over 90°F and the springs at 105°F, it didn’t seem very appealing. When we got there, it just didn’t feel inviting, so we found some shade before starting the hike back. About halfway along, a jeep with four passengers (a little younger than us) pulled up and offered us a ride. The woman in the back jumped out and sat on her husband’s lap up front so we could hop in. We felt a little guilty but were thankful for the lift.

    After leaving the springs, we headed out of the park toward our destination for the day: Sanderson, about 130 miles away. I had contacted a pastor from a local church that offers space to cyclists passing through, and we’d also been invited to their Wednesday Bible study—which we accepted. We arrived in Sanderson, grabbed a bite to eat, cleaned up, and showed up for the study at 6:00. Everyone was kind and welcoming, though it did feel a bit awkward walking in like that—but we went anyway.

    Afterward, the pastor and his wife sat with us at a picnic table, and we listened to him speak. He moved from one topic to the next with the ease of a trapeze artist grabbing bars midair after spins and flips. It was impressive, in a way, though a bit much to take in after a long day. Still, they were incredibly kind people.

    Now, we’re settling down for the night.

    Kindness also means listening to someone talk too much without judging, or at least trying not to judge. Quote from Myron Bontrager    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Del Rio, Tx. (Pop. 34,490)

    17 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌬 32 °C

    We woke this morning to the crowing of the pastor's rooster. I was already awake, but Dana was still sleeping. Eventually, we roused ourselves and walked over to Ferguson Motors Coffee—a coffee shop housed in a beautifully refurbished Ford Motor sales building from the early 1900s, originally used to display Ford cars. The space was stunning, and both the coffee and the breakfast burrito were absolutely delicious.

    After breakfast, we headed back to the pastor’s house and set up the podcast equipment for a conversation with Mike and Kelly. They’re pastors of a small Baptist church in a tiny community, but they’ve been doing some really creative work to help feed the hungry in their neighborhood. It was a fun conversation.

    We left Sanderson and drove east toward Del Rio, a border town we thought might have some cultural sights and activities. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very well developed, and we didn’t find much to see or do. Since the temperatures were climbing into the 90s, we decided to book a hotel—sleeping in that kind of heat just isn’t comfortable. We found a reasonably priced motel with an outdoor pool. The water was cold, but we sat by the pool and relaxed as much as we could.

    For the past several weeks, Dana has been craving pizza. For dinner, we found a wood-fired pizza place and treated ourselves to a salad and a delicious, albeit greasy, pizza. It hit the spot—it was sooooo good.

    "We rise by lifting others." Robert Ingersoll    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Austin, Tx. (Pop. 984,567)

    18 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    MoMo's Coffee was the last chance to redeem our impression of Del Rio. We loaded up and headed downtown, hoping this coffee shop might be something worth writing about. Of course, by now you know I can—and do—write about things that aren't always worth writing about.

    We pulled up in front of the coffee shop, and it looked promising. We ordered our drinks, and they turned out to be stellar. We were definitely in the minority, as most of the patrons were of Hispanic descent. We enjoyed our time there—it had good vibes and felt like a small win for Del Rio.

    Afterward, we headed out toward Austin. On the way, we passed through Uvalde—a name you might remember as the scene of the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022, where 21 lives were tragically lost in that horrific event. As we drove past the school, we noticed a police officer stationed in a vehicle out front. The building itself was hidden behind tall black cloth barriers, likely intended to block the view and preserve some privacy.

    It was deeply saddening to think that the children who attend school there now have to face those black barriers every day. The trauma of the event stole so much from them, and now even the physical beauty of their surroundings has been taken from them. I can only imagine how profoundly this experience has shaped their worldview.

    In front of the school, white crosses stood, each bearing the name of a victim. It was sobering and heartbreaking. A while after we left the city, Dana did some reading and learned that murals have been painted around Uvalde in honor of each victim. We were so disappointed we hadn't known about them earlier—it would’ve been meaningful to see those murals and take a moment to reflect and remember. Although we didn’t get to see them in person, we've included a few photos we found online to share the beauty and emotion of the artwork.

    We arrived in Austin around 1:30 PM and headed to Lady Bird Lake. There’s a 10-mile biking and hiking trail that loops around the lake, so we got our bikes and set out. The path was busy—lots of walkers and quite a few cyclists—so at times it was slow and a bit chaotic, weaving around people and dogs on leashes. Still, it felt good to be back on the bikes, even at a leisurely pace.

    We’ll be in Austin for at least two nights. Tomorrow, we’re meeting my nephew for dinner—he recently moved here, and it’ll be awesome to catch up on his life. We’re not sure yet if we’ll head out on Sunday, but we’ve got plenty of time to decide.    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Austin, Tx. (Day two)

    19 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    As usual, we went in search of a coffee shop, and Dana found one online that looked promising—so we decided to give it a try. We weren’t disappointed. It was only a few miles away, so we headed out and found a parking spot. The place was a bit tricky to find, but once we located it, we knew we were in the right spot.

    The property had a coffee shop on one side and a food/taco stand on the other. There was a massive outdoor seating area, and we couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of all that beauty. We enjoyed our drinks and shared a breakfast taco. After we finished eating and drinking, we lingered a while longer, soaking up the morning warmth and the funky green space. If we lived in Austin, this would probably be our go-to spot.

    Eventually, it was time to move on. We strolled around downtown for a bit before heading out to explore more of what the city had to offer. We drove past a few of the “must-see” attractions, but honestly, none of them really called to us. Instead, we ended up at a botanical garden and spent some time walking among the plants and flowers. It wasn’t the most meticulously maintained space, but it had a raw, natural charm that we appreciated.

    We had dinner plans with my nephew at 5:00 p.m. and about four hours to fill before then. We found a parking spot and took some naps to recharge before figuring out our next steps. Driving around Austin proved a bit tricky with our PLUM, so we eventually settled on a hotel about a mile from 1618 Asian Fusion, where we’d be dining later.

    Once we checked in, we showered, rested a bit, and then headed out on foot to the restaurant. Biz, my nephew, is 26 and recently moved to Austin with a friend. He’s working as a personal trainer at a local fitness center and seems to be adjusting well. We had a great time catching up with him—we laughed a lot and, as always, had some great conversation.

    Happy Easter to all of you!

    You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. Publilius Syrus    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Brazos Bend State Park (Pop. Campers)

    20 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Last evening, we decided to head to a campground for a few days. On Wednesday, we’ll be in Houston to meet Jeremy, Shivy, Joshua, and Abby (our son and his family). Unfortunately, Josiah will be traveling to Ecuador for about a week and couldn’t join us on this trip. On Friday, we’ll attend the Coffee Expo 2025 in Houston—a coffee lover’s annual extravaganza and an event I always eagerly anticipate. With that in mind, we decided to find a campground to relax for a day or two before the big event. However, now that we’re here, I’ve been looking at the map and noticed that Galveston is only about an hour away. We could take a day trip there! It reminds me of Glen Campbell’s song:

    Galveston, oh Galveston
    I wonder if she could forget me
    I'd go home if they would let me
    Put down this gun
    And go to Galveston

    The song was written in response to the Vietnam War, expressing a desire to set aside conflict and escape to Galveston. It doesn’t quite apply to us, but still, the sentiment is there.

    We’ve decided to leave the final decision until morning. After all, procrastination gives you something to look forward to. Of course, the decision won’t be made until we have had a good cup of coffee.

    Today was Easter, and we decided to find a church and at least be Easter attendees. We chose a church on the southern side of Austin—a fairly liturgical congregation—and had a meaningful service.

    We decided to be traditional and stop at a coffee house on the way to the church service.

    After church, we stopped by Walmart to pick up supplies for the next few days before heading to the campground. Dana was slightly nervous because the promo for the state park featured an alligator on its website. She’s quite relieved we aren’t sleeping in a tent.

    Aside from the activities mentioned, most of our day was spent traveling from point A to point B. Now, we face the decision of whether to stay put or do some more sightseeing.

    How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world. William Shakespeare    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Brazos Bend Campground (Day Two)

    21 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Up until this point in the trip, we’ve basically been on the move. We came here thinking it might be a pleasant place to slow down a bit. On the other hand, we (or maybe mostly me) suffer from a bit of FOMO—fear of missing out. I kept thinking of places we could go and things we could see, but we needed this time to slow down.

    But this morning, after our coffee, we decided to stay put.

    I remembered a quote I once heard, attributed to a Native American chief: “Sometimes your body needs to stop to let your spirit catch up.” I’ve always loved that quote. We push ourselves so much sometimes, and every now and then, our spirit just needs a chance to catch up. And the only way that happens is when we give ourselves time to just be—to chill. This was our day.

    I made coffee this morning.

    It rained for an hour or two, and we stayed cozy in the PLUM—reading, listening to an audiobook, and resting.

    By 11:00, the rain had cleared, so I fired up some charcoal and grilled hamburgers for lunch.

    While the coals were still hot, I wrapped some baby back ribs in foil and set them on the grill. I kept feeding in a few briquettes throughout the afternoon, and by evening, the ribs were ready for dinner. I know, I know—we didn’t need that much meat. But we did have a salad too, so that makes it okay... right?

    Now we’re sitting in the shade, enjoying the comfort of the evening as it slowly approaches.

    We’ll take our showers around 7:30, just as the sun begins to set and the air starts to cool.

    That was our day—how was yours?

    “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.”    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Houston, Tx. (Pop. 2,324,082)

    22 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We woke up this morning to some blessed coolness. During the night, we had a small fan blowing on us, but I got a bit chilly, turned it off, and snuggled back under the covers. I made coffee, and we enjoyed it while planning our day. The campground was one of the best we’ve ever stayed at—clean, well-maintained, and with more-than-adequate camping spots. Although we had to walk about 500 feet to the restroom, it wasn’t a big deal, and it gave us a chance to get in a few steps.

    As we sat in the quiet morning air, we could hear birds chirping in the distance. I have an app on my phone called Merlin ID, developed by Cornell University. One of its features lets you record live bird sounds, and it then identifies the species singing around you. Almost every time I used it, the app identified five or six birds. It was fascinating because I hadn’t known much about the birds in the park.

    After leaving the campground, we headed to Houston and visited The Tipping Point—a coffee shop located in a record store. It was a unique and delightful place, adding a cool twist to the coffee experience.
    Our plan for the day included visiting Rothko Chapel and several art galleries in Houston. We made it to the chapel, but unfortunately, the galleries were closed. After the chapel, we visited the Holocaust Museum. The museum was extremely well done and elicited deep emotions in both of us. One quote that particularly struck us (paraphrased) was, “We started dying socially before we started dying physically.” It made us pause and reflect. It raises important questions like, who around us is dying socially right now? The sobering conclusion is that these individuals are likely to face physical hardship as well. While it may be an overstatement, socially marginalized individuals often lack proper healthcare, adequate access to nutritious food, stable employment, and more. Do we care enough about those “dying socially” to take meaningful action?

    After the museum, we took a walk through the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The park was expansive and filled with a stunning variety of flowers and plants. We appreciated the beauty, even as we endured the heat of the pounding sun.

    Now, we’re settling in for the night. Tomorrow begins our coffee expo weekend. While the show doesn’t officially start until Friday, we’re looking forward to spending time with Jeremy and his family before all the caffeinated chaos begins.

    Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love. Unknown    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Houston, Tx (Day 2)

    23 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Neither of us slept well last night, so the morning coffee was a much-needed blessing. There was a Keurig coffee maker in our room, and while the coffee wasn’t exceptional, it was mostly "meh." I brewed two cups, and we savored the dark brew together.

    We anticipated a fairly laid-back day, as the weather forecast predicted rain for most of it. However, we figured we could visit a nearby coffee shop before the rain arrived. We walked three blocks to the closest one, enjoying a light drizzle along the way. It was a pleasant walk despite the weather. The coffee shop, well—it was a coffee shop, I suppose. The coffee was mediocre, and the air conditioning caused condensation to coat the exterior doors. We opted to sit outside instead.

    After that underwhelming coffee experience, we returned to the hotel, packed up, and headed to a local mall. We wandered through the common areas like a couple of retirees, eventually justifying our loitering with a stop for ice cream.

    Next, we went back to the hotel to see if we could check in, but unfortunately, we couldn’t. Since Jeremy had booked the rooms, he needed to be present for the initial check-in. We sat outside, enjoying the warm weather, until Jeremy and his family arrived around 3:30. We spent some time catching up before heading out for dinner.

    It was around this time that Joshua realized his phone was missing. Jeremy figured out the phone had been left on the plane by using the Find My app. Later in the evening, it pinged in Denver. Jeremy managed to call the number, and someone answered, explaining they were just about to leave the plane but would give the phone to a flight attendant. After submitting a “Left on Board” report, there was nothing left to do but wait for the airline to contact him. Ah, the joys of traveling!

    That wraps up our day. Hopefully, tonight will bring us a good night’s rest.

    Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. Booker T. Washington    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Houston, Tx. (Day 3)

    24 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌩️ 25 °C

    Dana and I both slept well, getting eight-plus hours of rest—a good start to the day. I heated water for the coffee, and soon, two cups of pour-over coffee were brewing. This morning, the smell of freshly brewing coffee was just what we needed to jolt us awake.

    After breakfast, all of us headed out to start the day.

    During our time in Texas, we discovered a breakfast food called "kolache." It’s a bun-like bread with a hot dog or sausage nestled in the middle. I thought it might be a possible addition to The Brew's breakfast menu. We tracked down a place called Artesian Bread Gallery - European Bakery. When we arrived at this nondescript bakery tucked into the corner of a small strip mall, our expectations weren’t very high. However, as soon as we entered, the tantalizing smells and delightful sights blew us away. We instantly wanted to try everything. We purchased a variety of pastries, and then the owner generously began cutting samples for us to take along. The ciabatta practically melted in our mouths, and the pretzel was far beyond anything I’ve ever had from a pretzel shop. By the time we finished indulging in the goodies, we were full and happily done with bread for the day.

    I had read about a system of tunnels located in downtown Houston. When I hear the word "tunnel," I usually think of dark, dank, waterlogged culverts infested with rats—and maybe alligators. Since I didn’t know what to expect, I was hoping for the best. After all, an adventure never hurt anyone.
    We found the entrance to the tunnels, and—thankfully—there were no rats. A more accurate description might be "developed underground walkways with tiled floors and walls, numerous restaurants, a variety of shops, bright lighting, and a pleasant atmosphere." We strolled through the tunnels, enjoying the cool temperatures and unique experience.

    Emerging from the tunnels, we were reminded that the rest of the world was still blazing under the scorching sun. We wandered around for a bit and came across a coffee shop nestled among other shops. We stopped in, relaxed in the air-conditioned space, and cooled off before setting out to explore some murals. While the murals themselves were somewhat underwhelming, the adventure did allow us to see more of downtown Houston.

    We eventually made our way back to the car and decided to visit McGovern Centennial Gardens. Dana and I had been there the day before and figured Jeremy and his family would appreciate it too. We took in the variety of plants and enjoyed wandering around. By the time we climbed the circular tower, we were ready to give our feet a break.

    The day wasn’t over yet—we had one last task to complete. Joshua’s phone had taken an unintended trip to Denver before making its way back to Houston. According to the tracking app, it was somewhere in the baggage claim area. Once we were all in the car, we headed to the airport, navigating busy streets and mostly guessing where to park. On our first loop around the terminals, Jeremy pulled into what he thought was a parking garage, only to discover it was reserved for valet parking only. After waiting our turn to exit, we embarked on lap two. We passed the AB Parking Lot and decided we might do better heading to "Arrivals" to drop Jeremy off. While Jeremy and Shivy headed inside to locate the phone, I took lap three, switching drivers as we went. Not long after, Jeremy called to tell us they had found the phone and would be waiting outside. Completing lap four, I pulled up to see them standing there, relieved. We switched drivers again and left the airport, more than happy to see it fade into the rearview mirror.
    By this time, it was 4:30, and we had a 45-minute drive back to the hotel. We decided to stop for dinner before settling in for the night. We ended up at BJ's Restaurant and Brewery. While the food took a while to arrive, we made quick work of it once it did and left feeling satisfied and ready to call it a day.

    Now, we’re all at the hotel, watching a small storm pass through as we wind down after a long but enjoyable day.

    The nature of humanity, its essence, is to feel another’s pain as one’s own, and to act to take that pain away. There is a nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy, a grace in forgiveness. John Connolly    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Houston, Tx (Day 4)

    25 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We rolled out of bed just before 6:00, and before long, the coffee was brewing.

    Around 8:00, we all headed out for breakfast. Shivy had discovered a restaurant called Another Broken Egg, a breakfast/brunch/lunch spot with a Louisiana flair. The menu impressed us all, and the quality of the food left us full and satisfied.

    After breakfast, we made our way to the George R. Brown Convention Center for the Coffee Expo 2025. For the next several hours, we wandered the floor, sipping coffee samples, chatting with importers, checking out exciting new gadgets, tasting both delightful and less-than-ideal matcha, and indulging in more treats than I could have imagined.

    By late afternoon, we were ready to call it a day. Knowing we’d be reluctant to head out again once we settled in at the hotel, we decided to grab dinner on our way back.

    Dana found a place called The Brisket House, and the moment we stepped inside, we were hit with the tantalizing aroma of smoked meat. We ordered a family meal that included smoked brisket, smoked sausage, cornbread, potato salad, and coleslaw. The brisket melted in our mouths, and the sausage had just the right amount of heat. With leftovers in tow and our appetites fully satisfied, we left the restaurant content.

    Back at the hotel, we spent the rest of the evening lounging and unwinding. The day had been filled with walking, sampling, and eating—no regrets, no complaints!

    Every one of us has the capacity to love, to forgive, to understand, and to be compassionate. Thich Nhat Hanh    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Houston, Tx. (Day 5)

    26 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    This morning, we got ready and headed to First Watch, a fantastic breakfast restaurant Shivy discovered. The menu was top-notch, and we enjoyed a delicious meal before setting off for our second day at the Coffee Expo.

    If you’ve read my description of yesterday’s experience at the expo, then you already know what to expect. Today was much the same, so I won’t repeat the details. However, we did take some time to have more in-depth conversations with vendors about the products that caught our attention.

    By mid-afternoon, we felt like we had seen everything we needed to see—and exhaustion was starting to set in. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant for a late afternoon meal. The restaurant left quite an impression on us. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the food was absolutely phenomenal. We devoured our meals and left fully satisfied before returning to the hotel.

    Abby and Joshua wanted to go swimming, so we let them enjoy the pool while we relaxed on the chairs by the poolside. Sitting back and unwinding felt like a very reasonable choice.

    I’ll admit, Houston has never been a city I viewed positively, but these past few days have softened my perspective. We’ve experienced some fun activities and discovered the beauty in certain aspects of the city.

    Now it’s time to wind down for the night and wait to see what tomorrow brings.

    The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action. Mother Teresa    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Houston, Tx. (Day 5)

    27 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We started our morning by heading to downtown Houston for breakfast at Day 6 Coffee Shop. Located in an old building brimming with character, the shop featured tall ceilings and walls lined with art, creating a cozy yet slightly dark atmosphere. The sandwiches were hot and delicious, while the drinks, though steaming, were average at best.

    After breakfast, we made our way to the coffee expo. While we focused on checking out specific products, we spent much of our time simply wandering the floor to see what we might have missed the previous day.

    By mid-afternoon, we were ready to leave the expo and headed to King Ranch for an early dinner. As a meat-focused restaurant, it offered plenty of satisfying options, and we mostly chose burgers and chicken sandwiches. It turned out to be an excellent choice for our meal—the food did not disappoint.

    Once back at the hotel, we all needed some downtime to rest. However, the day wasn’t over just yet; eating seems to be what we do best. Still on a quest for great ice cream, we ventured out and discovered La Argentina Gelato. This fairly new shop quickly won us over. We picked out our gelatos and spent time relaxing there. The staff was exceptionally friendly, making our visit all the more enjoyable.

    As our final day in Houston winds to a close, I have to admit that we’ve had plenty of wonderful experiences here. Sure, we may have indulged a bit too much in food, but to be fair, we walked a lot too.

    No one has ever become poor by giving. Anne Frank    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Texarkana, Tx. (Pop. 35,419)

    28 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Neither of us was in a rush this morning. Jeremy and his family had a flight out of Houston at 5:00 PM, and we faced a five-hour drive. Our plan was to reach Hot Springs National Park tomorrow, so we wanted to cover most of the miles today.

    We lingered at the hotel until 10:00 AM before heading to First Watch, a breakfast/brunch restaurant. Having enjoyed both the food and ambiance during our previous visit, we decided to return for another meal. After savoring our brunch, we said our goodbyes and started driving northeast in our home on wheels.

    With just over 250 miles ahead of us, we stayed focused and arrived in Texarkana around 5:30 PM. Our resting spot for the night? The ever-reliable Cracker Barrel parking lot. Ah, good old Cracker Barrel.

    After dinner, we stumbled upon Andy's Frozen Custard. Though dessert was far from necessary, we couldn’t resist for long and soon found ourselves indulging in a few extra calories for the day.

    Travel days are usually uneventful, which brings its own kind of gratitude. I’ve learned to appreciate the comfort of uneventful moments—and yes, even to embrace a bit of boring.

    True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. Martin Luther King Jr    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Pangburn, AR. (Pop. 497)

    29 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We woke up this morning with a craving for coffee, but the shop we had in mind didn’t open until 8:00. So, we waited until it was time to head over to Alley Cats Coffee Bar. As we ventured into the center of Texarkana, we couldn’t help but notice how many of the town’s storefronts were empty and decaying—a sobering sight, to say the least. Crossing the state line into Arkansas, just a block later, we arrived at our destination.

    The coffee shop was uniquely situated inside an old railroad car, with decor that complemented the railroad theme, along with two cats that lived below the coffee shop deck. I ordered two coffees, and the barista cheerfully responded with an “Aye, Captain!” Spotting the old standard Bunn brewer, we braced ourselves for what we assumed would be weak and lackluster coffee. However, she ground fresh coffee beans, brewed a new pot, and, to our surprise, the coffee was delicious. So much for our preconceived notions about Bunn coffee machines!

    After leaving the coffee bar, we drove to Hot Springs National Park. Having visited several national parks before, we were expecting to pass through a park entrance and make our way to the springs. Instead, we found ourselves puzzled—the visitors center was located in the middle of a bustling, touristy part of town. It turned out that this area was the "national park." We adjusted our expectations and strolled through the streets, observing the historic bathhouses on one side and storefronts on the other.

    We came across a “promenade” elevated above the city and enjoyed a leisurely walk with lovely views of the streets below. Once we completed the promenade, we found a cozy coffee shop where we ordered a few drinks and a sandwich to share. The sandwich was exceptional—layered with salami, pesto, tomatoes, and several other mouthwatering ingredients, all tied together with a heavenly sauce. Truly unforgettable.

    Leaving Hot Springs, we headed to Pangburn to visit my brother. The plan was to take him and his girlfriend out for dinner and park overnight on his property in the PLUM. Though he offered us a room, we figured it would be just as convenient to sleep in the vehicle. We did ask for access to his shower, which he gladly provided.

    Driving through the northern part of Arkansas, we were struck by how stunningly beautiful the scenery was. Pangburn, situated at the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains, offered breathtaking views that took us by surprise.

    We spent an enjoyable evening with my brother and his girlfriend and are now settling in for the night.

    My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. Maya Angelou    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Harrison, Ar. (13,100)

    30 April, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌩️ 22 °C

    Our destination for the day was Harrison, Arkansas.

    After enjoying coffee and a chat with Cliff, we set out for the day. We had plenty of time to spare and wanted to check out several towns along the
    way.
    Our first stop was Heber Springs, a small town about half an hour from Cliff’s place. Looking for a spot to enjoy breakfast, we stumbled upon a charming city park and ate there before heading to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Overlook. The park offers views of Greers Ferry Dam and Lake, and it holds historical significance. President Kennedy visited in October 1963—just six weeks before his assassination—to dedicate the park. While it was small, the park had stunning views, and we spent some time walking around and soaking it all in.

    Back in town, we stopped at Walmart for some clothes. Since we’ll be visiting Dana’s dad in Springfield, Ohio, on Friday and attending a Haitian community fundraiser, I thought my worn-out t-shirts and jeans might not make the cut. Walmart’s selection seemed like a good compromise—fingers crossed it works!

    Our next stop was Jitter Bug Coffee Shop, a cozy little place where we enjoyed some drinks and shared a panini. It was a lovely break, but it was time to keep moving.

    We took the road north to Mountain View, a quaint town known for its spontaneous music jam sessions in the town park on weekends. Unfortunately, as it was midweek, the town was quiet, and we could only wander the streets and take in the atmosphere.

    North of Mountain View, a swinging bridge caught my attention. It was designed for vehicles, and I thought, “Why not? What’s the worst that could happen?” The bridge was only four miles out of town, but when we arrived, it was a bit underwhelming—a vehicle bridge supported by large cables. Oh well. We crossed it and continued on our journey to Harrison.

    The drive to Harrison took us through winding, hilly roads, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Both of us have been surprised at how picturesque this part of Arkansas is—we hadn’t been here before and were delighted by the unexpected beauty.

    We arrived in Harrison as it began to rain, so we took a quick drive through downtown to get a feel for the town before heading to my nephew’s place. While the town had some nice features, we didn’t have the time to explore fully.

    I have two nephews who live in Harrison. Since our route passed nearby, we decided to stop by and catch up. The nephews live on the same property, separated by a pond and several outbuildings. We started at Jason’s house, chatting while he finished making dessert for the evening meal. Soon after, Justin’s eldest son arrived in a “gator-like” four-wheeler to pick us up. Walking would have been an option, but with the rain and darkness, we gladly accepted the ride—we’re too delicate for those conditions, after all!

    Justin and Danita live on a sprawling property with numerous animals. Justin runs an overhead door company and several other ventures. They have eleven children—yes, eleven! We met them all, though we promptly forgot most of their names. Their sister, my niece, also joined us with her family, driving in from about an hour away. We’re planning to visit her place next for “stage three” of the Tour de Bontraj. Additionally, a cousin and his wife, who live two hours from Harrison, came over for the evening, so the house was bustling with activity.

    The evening was filled with laughter, stories, reminiscing, and plenty of good food. We enjoyed amazing hamburgers, ice cream, and pie. Saying we had a great time would be an understatement.

    We spent the night in the PLUM, parked in Jason’s driveway. Though Justin generously offered us a room in their home (despite having eleven children, they still had space!), we figured it would be simpler to sleep in the PLUM rather than have them prepare a bed and deal with washing sheets for just one night. The cool night air made it cozy, and it felt wonderful to pull up the covers instead of relying on a fan for relief.

    It was a long but fulfilling day. I didn’t have time to write this last night, so I’m getting to it first thing this morning.

    Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. Dalai Lama    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Gainsville, Mo-Dennis and Jenny (Pop. 6)

    1 Mei, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We left my nephew’s place around 9:00 AM and headed north. Our drive wasn’t long today, but we wanted to stop in Branson, Missouri, to see what all the buzz was about.

    Branson was only about 30 miles from Harrison, so we got there quickly. We stopped at a coffee shop to grab a drink and get a feel for the surrounding area. Having never been here before, I suspected it was mostly a tourist hotspot with the usual souvenir shops. We wandered through historic downtown, exploring a few streets lined with Branson-themed trinkets and crafts. We even stopped by the Missouri Amish store. The highlight of our visit, however, was the Transylvania Bakery. We bought several pastries from a man who seemed thoroughly unimpressed by our presence—he grunted, pointed to the cutlery and napkins, and made it clear he wasn’t there for friendly conversation. Thankfully, the pastries more than made up for the grumpy service.

    After finishing up downtown, we parked near the lake. Dana went for a walk while I took a nap—no judgment, please!

    From Branson, we had just 60 miles to my niece and her family’s place. They’ve lived in Alaska, Belize, and now the deep woods of the Ozarks. Each time, they bought wilderness land and carved out a home. So, we knew we were in for an adventure. Even the directions to their home were enlightening. As we reached the turnoff into what felt like the uttermost parts of the earth, the warnings about rough terrain and steep hills proved entirely accurate. A sharp downhill, then a steep uphill—then another. After the hills, we followed a winding road (a generous description) through the woods, around curves, and through mud puddles.

    I texted Jenny to let her know we’d arrived at the turnoff, and she headed our way to ensure we stayed on track—I guess she didn’t trust us with directions! Approaching the mud puddles, I cautiously crossed each one, uncertain of their depth. At one point, I took it too slowly and got stuck in the mud. I honked at Jenny, who was already speeding ahead on her four-wheeler. I rocked the PLUM back and forth, feeling it advance slightly each time. By the fourth try, the back wheel finally grabbed some gravel, and we slowly emerged from the puddle. Unfortunately, the entire side of the vehicle was splattered with dark, muddy dirt. Dang it.

    We arrived at a small clearing, and Jenny showed me where to park for the night. I found the most level spot and backed in. This clearing was the first place they had set up when they started the project a year ago. A 20-foot container served as their kitchen and storage space, and they had an outhouse for those special moments. They had also drilled a well for water. Jenny then led us down a lane to the house they were building. Before they could begin construction, the land had to be cleared of trees and rocks—mostly by hand, though they had a small backhoe and excavator to help. Last November, they finally moved into the basement of the house. Until then, they had been living in tents, and a camper.

    We had a great time with them. For dinner, we enjoyed salmon and deer tacos. The tortillas were handmade by the girls, the salmon had been caught in Alaska, and the deer was hunted right on their land.

    After an evening of conversation and sitting around the fire in the deep woods, we were ready for bed. Dennis handed us a flashlight, and we walked back up the lane to our “hotel” for the night. Our walk followed a lively discussion about snakes in the woods, bobcats in the neighborhood, and bears in the vicinity. When Dennis asked if we were scared, Dana said, "Yes." I said, "We’ll be fine." As we walked away alone, Dana clung to my arm as if she had been thrown over a bridge and was hanging on for dear life. Honestly, we both answered correctly—she was scared, and in the end we were fine.

    Once we arrived, I asked Dana if she wanted to go back out and look at the stars. Her response? "Absolutely not!" We had a great day, but we were glad to be visiting—not staying.

    It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world. Unknown    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Plainfield, In. (Pop. 36,074)

    2 Mei, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    After a good night's rest for Dana and a semi-decent one for me, we got up and started preparing for the day. We were just beginning to make coffee when Jenny texted to say that breakfast was ready and the coffee was brewing. Without hesitation, we put on our jackets and retraced our steps from last evening’s nerve-wracking excursion through the nighttime dangers. This time, we walked in a light drizzle, with distant thunder rumbling in the background. Strangely, we felt less afraid.

    Breakfast was a comforting spread of freshly baked oatmeal, yogurt, and a piping hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. We sat, chatting for a while, until we heard the thunder grow nearer. Saying our goodbyes, we stepped out the door and headed up the lane to the PLUM. We quickly readied ourselves for the journey back to civilization. This time, I hurried through the mud puddles, and we arrived safely at the semi-main road—far from the hungry bears and lurking bobcats.

    I plugged in our route for the day. We were headed to Dana’s sister’s home in Plainfield, Indiana—a fairly straightforward drive of about seven hours and twenty minutes. About half an hour into our journey, we turned off the main road and started north. Ten miles later, we turned east, only to be greeted by a sign warning of a road closure ahead. I’ve always seen these signs as a challenge. I stopped the vehicle, contemplating my options. Just then, a car approached from the direction of the closure. I rolled down my window, and the driver did the same. He told us he had just come from that road and had turned back—it was completely covered with water. Heavy rains in recent days had saturated the ground, making flooded roads a common sight. Exercising good judgment, I turned around and returned to our previous northbound route.

    Five miles later, we turned onto another westbound road, following Google Maps' instructions. Two miles in, a small sign warned that the pavement would end ahead. I thought, well, we just came from the ends of the earth—this can’t be that bad. Half a mile later, we reached a washed-out section of road where water poured over the remaining pavement. Should I gun it and see what happens? Instead, summoning every ounce of wisdom I had, I turned around and headed back toward the northbound road.

    However, the road engineers had overlooked the need for a continuous northbound route. The only options available led west, slightly south, and occasionally north. Our choices were limited: either follow a road that would add over an hour to our trip or take a detour that would add an hour and a half or more. At this point, my wisdom was flowing as freely as the water over the washed-out road. We pressed on.

    Eventually, the directions guided us onto a road heading east and north. I should mention—we were still deep in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. The roads were winding and steep, with breathtaking uphill climbs and lovely downhill stretches. As the hours ticked by, it became clear that our supposed seven-hour journey was evolving into a ten-hour odyssey.
    But I’m newly retired. I have nowhere else to be.

    I also failed to mention that we drove through rain for most of the day. And, of course, we crossed into the Eastern Time Zone—so we mentally added another hour (sort of) to the day's adventure.

    Finally, at 7:00 PM ET, we arrived at Dana’s sister’s place. She had a pot of taco soup and a chocolate bundt cake waiting for us—a perfect antidote to a long day of travel. Without hesitation, I devoured two bowls of soup, a slice of cake, and a generous scoop of ice cream.

    We traveled. We laughed. We stressed. We ate.

    Let’s call it a good day.

    “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” — Plato    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Springfield, Oh. (Pop. 57,738)

    4 Mei, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We sat on the screened-in back porch, sipping coffee, chatting with Marcia, and listening to the birds singing in the crisp morning air. I opened an app on my phone that identifies birds by their songs. Within moments, it detected eight distinct species. It was peaceful—drinking coffee, waking slowly, and embracing the sounds of nature.

    Leaving Plainfield, we headed east toward Ohio. Soon, we found ourselves driving through moderately heavy rain. I-70 in Indiana was rough, full of potholes and patches, but as soon as we crossed into Ohio, the roads were noticeably smoother. I’ve always thought Indiana lagged behind the times, and these roads certainly didn’t help my perception.

    We arrived in Springfield, but Dana’s dad was out having dinner with a group from his assisted living home. With time to kill, we did what we do best—found a Walmart parking lot and took naps.

    A few weeks ago, we had been discussing our parents, and I mentioned that I wished I had recorded my dad’s life story in conversation form. I used to visit him weekly and could have brought recording equipment to capture his recollections of growing up. Realizing I still had the chance to do this with Dana’s dad, I decided to make it happen.

    When we reached his apartment, I set up the equipment and waited for his return from lunch. When he arrived, we dove into his early years. We only talked for about half an hour before we had to leave for an evening with Dana’s younger sister and her husband.

    About a week ago, Dana had told her sister we’d be visiting Springfield over the weekend. Ronda, her sister, asked if we could make it on Saturday for a Haitian fundraiser dinner and program. She and her husband had been working with a local nonprofit supporting the Haitian community in Springfield. We thought it sounded like a great event, so we asked her to get us tickets and promised to try to arrive in time.

    After spending time with Dana’s dad, we quickly headed to Ronda’s house to shower and get ready for the event.

    It was the first time the organization had hosted an event of this magnitude, and while there were moments of chaos, the evening was absolutely incredible. The program kicked off with a history of Haiti presentation by a professor from Columbus, Ohio. She delivered an articulate and compelling overview, spanning the last 3,000 years of Haiti’s history. Like you, I had no idea their history stretched back that far—before even the rise of major world religions.

    Her lecture was followed by a Haitian saxophonist—actually, I should say a phenomenal Haitian saxophonist. His performance was breathtaking.
    Then, a group of Haitian high school girls took the stage, performing an energetic and mesmerizing dance routine.

    The final act of the evening was a two-man music performance featuring J Perry, a well-known Haitian artist who blends dancehall, house, compas, reggae, zouk, and soca. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what all of those genres mean—but when he took the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. The Haitians in the audience came alive. The dancing was pure joy, a stunning contrast to the hardships the community had endured throughout history. We couldn’t understand the words—everything was in Haitian Creole—but we didn’t need to. We felt their emotion.

    After the performances, we joined a line to sample Haitian cuisine. By then, it was past 8:30—way past our typical mealtime. After all, we’re retired, and it’s practically mandatory to start dinner at 4:30. 😊 The food was phenomenal, a perfect way to close out the evening.

    I might also mention that this event took place in the John Legend Theater. He graduated from the Springfield High School and dedicated the theater in 2016. It’s always inspiring to see a celebraty investing in their home community.

    Afterward, we headed back to Dana’s sister’s house, winding down from the night before settling in for bed.

    “Ansanm nou fò, divize nou fèb” – Together we are strong, divided we are weak. A Haitian Proverb    Baca lagi

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  • Myron BontragerPengembaraSouthern US/2-2025

    Goshen, In. (34,261)

    4 Mei, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We set the alarm for 6:00 AM—an early start for the day. We had agreed to meet Dana’s dad for breakfast at 7:00. Why so early? Well, we said yes, so here we are.

    Levi had his usual breakfast: two eggs (smothered in a thick layer of pepper), two slices of bacon, two pieces of toast, yogurt, and fruit. Same meal, every morning, every week, every year.

    After breakfast, we headed to his apartment for the second session of Levi’s story. This time, we focused on his school years, though he was mostly eager to talk about his involvement in sports.

    Before settling in for the conversation, we helped him deliver newspapers to the residents. Every day, he walks the hallways, carefully distributing the papers to subscribers. His route is mapped out for maximum efficiency—a task he genuinely enjoys. Not only does it give him a sense of purpose, but it also helps him stay active.

    By mid-morning, we hit the road, leaving around 10:30 AM and arriving home four hours later.

    This journey has come full circle. It’s been quite a trip. It’s good to be home—but we’re already dreading the task of unloading the PLUM and getting everything back in order.    Baca lagi

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    Tamat perjalanan
    4 Mei 2025
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