Foggy, Rural Morning
Many mornings of late start with just wandering through the countryside near home. More to help brain and body greet the day than any sort of riding adventure. There’s a slow, reflective state that I can enter as the scooter quietly rolls along, and I just soak in the view.
Slowly Down the Road
I should confess a typical scheme to these rides, one captured in a statement by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling:
And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for awhile is just bliss. –J.K. Rowling
If I could never take a long ride again and was limited only to a meandering ride to a cafe to sit with my notebook and watch the world, I would be happy. There’s a satisfaction to writing that’s difficult to explain. In part it’s the solitary relationship with imagination and the departure from reality that’s possible. I think that’s part of what Rowling refers to as bliss.
Heart Healthy Diet
Perhaps not. But sans bacon and only on occasion, I tell myself that it’s not the worst thing I can eat. This breakfast was the first I had ever eaten at the Earlystown Diner near Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. Simple. Delicious.
While not technically a cafe, I was still able to sit and write in my notebook. Ideas, thoughts, feelings, concerns, lies, truth, more. You never know where the pen will take you.
Scooter and Motorcycle, Vespa and BMW
Being retired, I take advantage of opportunities to visit more eating establishments and watering holes than I should. After breakfast I rode another few miles down the road for a cup of tea. And more writing. While sitting at the Pump Station Cafe my friend Paul rode in on his shiny new 2017 BMW R1200 RT motorcycle.
Pump Station Cafe
On a sunny autumn morning you can still sit outside. I suppose by now we’re both regulars at the Pump Station. As my hair gets longer and I don’t shave as often I may soon approach character status. Not sure how I feel about that. I tend to prefer being invisible. Except when I’m riding.
Regardless, I’m certain I’ll continue wandering to cafes with my notebook in hand. Even if I don’t always write.
You’re making me hungry.
I’m always hungry!
Yeah, but you’e eating right and looking good now. Lynne noticed. and I did some time ago.
My eating and exercising can use some refinement. Paul says I need new clothes. I hate buying clothes. Always wore things too big!
Too loose is better than too tight.
My thoughts exactly!
Hi Steve. I have ridden a lot this Spring, Summer, Fall and often think what it would be like to be retired. Some weekends feel like I am already as there is not a lot of pressure to do much other than what I feel like doing. For some reason the riding is more about the enjoyment of the ride now than it was before….I’m quite happy with this feeling. At 61 I don’t relish retirement as work is pretty good but I can imagine what it’s like. I sent you a few pics on your e mail.
Brent
Retirement is a nice place to be. But I’ve had to make some mental adjustments. Still making them in fact. It’s a great job to have if you’re ready for it. As with so many things — what makes sense for one won’t work for another.
Thanks for sending the images!
I so much enjoy your posts, Steve. I am retired and I can certainly relate to everything you post.
Thanks for the kind words Steel. Retirement is my full time job now. I love it as much as my previous careers! Except for that job in the car wash…
Ahhh the simple joy of wandering from cafe to cafe. Nothing wrong with Riding to Eat or Riding for Tea.
And the scenery on your rides is always so lovely and green.
It’s a rough life, all that wandering, but someone has to do it. I’m happy to step up for awhile until someone else takes over.
“Eat to ride and ride to eat” Or something like that has certainly worked for us. You have added a couple of locations that I will add to the long list of possibilities but I have to ask about The Naked Egg. I have run past this place when headed south a number of times but usually after I have enjoyed brekky at The Waffle Shop. Any good and would you recommend Steve? Speaking of breakfast, we have just finished an occasional brekky for dinner repast here at home. Nice every once in awhile.
Cheers … Steve
I like the Naked Egg a lot Steve. Haven’t posted much about it. I’ve had the best steak and eggs there. A real filet. I like the Naked Egg better than The Waffle Shop mainly because it doesn’t feel so crowded. And probably my go to breakfast place in State College is The Corner Room. I’ve been eating there for 45 years.
Lot’s of places to eat here…
Wandering may be under estimated by those who have yet to explore and relish its’ meditative content and treasures. Retirement for many folks initially leads questions of identity… I am now 9 years from my professional life. It was always separate from my riding life where I still subscribe to “camp fire rules” : no politics, no religion, and no work talk. Last year on my Facebook account for the first time I listed an occupation: “Practicing Wanderer”. Fortunately this is a profession which requires continual study and offers no final certification!
“Practicing Wanderer.” I like that description. May need to steal that if you don’t mind.
You’re right about questions of identity. I didn’t realize how much of mind was wrapped up in my professional life. Or blogging. Now I have time to figure out who I am without all that. It’s an interesting adventure.
I suppose I adhere to campfire rules here myself. So often I start writing something in response to something I’ve read in the news and then stop myself. Who cares what I think about stuff. There are days though…
Time to go study!
A Rolling Stone gathers….
MOMENTUM
I need more momentum!
you should wander over to the RV dealer nearest you…..
Shucks. I think the RV is like a motorcycle. Want one. Don’t need one. Probably wouldn’t use one. Best kept a fantasy.
Early morning, and the mist still rises from the fields. Your
only “must do” is entertain the dogs and say good morning to your dear wife.
After that your schedule is open, unless a medical or a similar appointment intrudes.
There is something about a personal wanderlust; ’tis never satisfied.
Now as to some requests for eateries. Have you thought of an on-line publication listing them? Places close and open all the time. A location, mapped description, a photograph or two, hours open, menu etc.
Your recent writings show many small isolated food emporiums, maybe start there?
Interesting idea about the online publication of eateries. My wife has suggested the same. But I’m such an incompetent eater that it’s not the job for me. Ken Hull, founder of the Boalsburg Moto Hang, has two books that do that very thing. He has extensive reviews of eateries about the state.
I’m just going to wander and keep things simple. Very simple. Letting go of a lot of the plans and just do what I do best.