Trip Log – Day 291 – Marietta GA to Piedmont AL

Posted on August 25, 2016 by paulefallon

to PiedmontAugust 22, 2016 – Partly cloudy, 80 degrees

Miles Today: 78

Miles to Date: 14,941

States to Date: 41

 IMG_6804My host, Ali, and I went to mile zero of the Silver Comet Trail, the biggest bicycle trailhead I’ve seen. Even on a Monday morning, the place was crowded with people and bikes, skateboarders and pet walkers. The hype about this trail is well deserved. Ali rode with me through the busiest portion, but since the trail is wide and smooth, it’s easy to navigate. After he turned back home, the natural beauty of riding through tall forest continued, as did the excellent condition of the trail.

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Around mile fifteen the pavement turns to concrete, which has more friction but turns out to be a good surface for a trail that’s in constant shade in a region of frequent rain. Despite today’s ideal conditions many wet areas remained from yesterday’s thunderstorms.

IMG_6809The first thirty miles follow an old railroad grade; slopes are minor and I stayed in high gear. Then the trail parallels, sort of, an active rail line with steep rises and fast descents. This far from the city there was no traffic in either direction or at any cross street, so I kept a pace that was both safe and exciting.

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IMG_6815At the Alabama state line, the trail returns to a former railroad right-of-way and Silver Comet becomes the Chief Ladiga Trail. The surface returns to blacktop, the path narrows to six feet wide, and the grade descends steady for almost twenty miles into Piedmont. Forests give over to small farms and distant foothills. It’s a scenic, yet easy ride.

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Trip Log – Day 290 – Atlanta GA to Marietta GA

Posted on August 24, 2016 by paulefallon

to AtlantaAugust 21, 2016 – Partly cloudy, 80 degrees

Miles Today: 28

Miles to Date: 14,863

States to Date: 41

 IMG_6791I woke late to overcast skies and coasted down five flights of parking ramp from my host’s apartment to the streets of Atlanta. Atlanta is to Georgia as New York City is to upstate New York or Seattle is to western Washington. The principle city is at complete odds with its country cousins. Southern Breakfast at Bantam + Biddy is a smaller portioned, locally sourced counterpoint to the Waffle House All-Star, at twice the price. Parking lots are packed at nine on Sunday morning, not at the local church, but at LA Fitness. The Prius to pick-up ratio is flipped. I spent the morning loitering at the upscale Ansley Shopping Center in Midtown; I even indulged in a rare treat of a donut. I felt slackerlier than I do hanging at a McDonald’s because everyone around me was so purposeful in their food and fitness.

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After noon I headed off to explore Midtown, rode through Piedmont Park and went to the High Museum, mostly to see Richard Meir’s 1983 building. I suppose it was a victim of its own success, for in the 1990’s the High added a significant infill addition by Renzo Piano that pulls the museum and adjacent symphony hall together in an outdoor space currently filled with circus-like sculptures. The planning is very good, but the Meier Building is now a trinket along Peachtree Street rather than the heart of the place. I strode up the monumental ramp only to discover it doesn’t get you anywhere anymore.

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IMG_6797I headed out of town, which meant hills and more hills. I waited out a downpour on the narrow front porch of a model home in a new subdivision without triggering any security alarms. The Paces, a neighborhood of well-heeled estates, has many beautiful homes, and a few garish conceits as well. I was pleased to find a little library at one intersection, since I recently finished my paperback. I traded it out for Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which seems more appropriate to my way of living then anyone who lives there.

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Profile Response: Tonia Burnette, Cannon Design, Baltimore MD

Posted on August 24, 2016 by paulefallon

HWWLT Logo on yellowTonia Burnette is an architect who’s dedicated her career to healthcare design. We had the pleasure of working together on Baltimore projects when she was in a local firm. As my life evolved toward Haiti, writing, and cycling, she moved in the opposite direction. Tonia became a health practice leader at Cannon Design, a large architectural practice with sixteen regional offices. We met for lunch at Platt Street Ale House, across from Baltimore’s Convention Center, near the Inner Harbor. Despite the heat we ate an outside table.

“Baltimore has become a young person’s town. There’s a free circulator bus. There’s no need to own a car.” The resurgence of downtown Baltimore has helped Tonia grow Cannon’s Baltimore office from eighteen to thirty in the past five years. “There was a time when everyone wanted to be in D.C. Now, They are happy to come to Baltimore.

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“My thing is designing for health, from cities to chairs. It’s all important.” Recently, Tonia became one of thirty professionals from a range of disciplines selected by Harvard’s School of Public Health (in conjunction with US Green Building Council) to interface research and practice. Each fellow ‘reads’ existing research and proposes new areas of environmental research that might lead to improved health. “How do we get clients to make the number one issue for every new development the health of those who use the facility? They’ll need a profit incentive.”

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Tonia’s focus is fresh air. In many urban environments, well-filtered interior air can be statistically cleaner than the outside atmosphere, but Tonia believes other factors make fresh air important. “There are advantages to having access to the outdoor environment. Our offices are on the 20th floor and we have an outdoor deck. I love to go out there, breath deep, and then get back to work. I’m doing this without evidence, just common sense. I believe even five minutes, three times a day can make a difference.” I understood why Tonia suggested an outdoor table. Now, her challenge is to frame a research project that will test her thesis.

How will we live tomorrow?

IMG_7159“Hopefully, healthier in mind, body, and spirit. The US is out of control. You’re never off, never on vacation. I don’t know how we’re going to stop, but we have to.

“I love the Millennials’ dedication to work/life balance. I enjoy my work, but have let it become my life. I don’t know how to stop. They do. Instead of asking, ‘Why aren’t the Millennials like us?’ I ask, ‘Why aren’t we more like the Millennials?’

“Our measure of success is to ‘do’. Millennials want to ‘be.’”

Then Tonia’s thoughts took a completely different tack:

“The opposite of love is not hate. It’s void. Void creates fear.”

 

 

 

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Trip Log – Day 289 – Decatur GA to Atlanta GA

Posted on August 23, 2016 by paulefallon

to AtlantaAugust 20, 2016 – Sunny, 85 degrees

Miles Today: 18

Miles to Date: 14,835

States to Date: 41

My warmshowers hosts, Laura and Mike, rode me to the Carter Center to kick off my day of Atlanta sightseeing. The Jimmy Carter Library is the seventh I’ve visited along my route. Nestled in a gully, the building is unassuming as the man. The museum focuses less on Carter’s Presidency compared to the other libraries. This makes sense for a man whose single term was a mixed bag of successes overshadowed by the Iranian hostages, but who’s post-Presidential is more influential than any other.

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I cycled through some vintage Atlanta suburbs, stopped by the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, toured downtown and Centennial Park and managed to duck indoors when a mammoth afternoon storm drenched the city.

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A pair of friends hosted me in their Midtown apartment; a sprawling complex of several hundred high-end units wrapped around a five-story parking garage. I had never seen that arrangement before; very handy to drive to the level of your unit. Bruce and DFior both work in the travel industry and fly places virtually every week. The big draw of Atlanta? Direct flights to everywhere. Fortunately for me they were home on Saturday night and cooked up pungent crab boil and braised Ox-tail.

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Profile Response: Joan Treacy and Christine Byerly, UMMC NICU, Baltimore, MD

Posted on August 23, 2016 by paulefallon

HWWLT Logo on yellowI met Joan and Christine about five years ago, when we worked tougher to design a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for University of Maryland Medical Center. After many delays, it opened last fall. I appreciated a tour of the new facility.

You can walk through a NICU and hardly see a baby. Neonates are so tiny, and the equipment that keeps them alive so large. Western medicine has made extraordinary strides in helping babies born as early as 22 weeks gestation to develop on par with their full-term peers. Premies can spend weeks, even months, in the NICU to ensure that their heart, lungs, and other vital organs achieve full function.

IMG_7167A generation ago, NICUs were large open spaces where six or eight babies could be taken care of by multiple staff within arms reach. During the 1990’s a major shift in adult inpatient design favored giving each patient his or her own room, thus reducing infection and improving medical outcomes. The benefits of adult private rooms influenced NICU design, and most NICU’s today have private rooms for each infant. The change in care can require units to be three times larger for the same number of patients.

UMMC NICU has 52 private rooms, each of which can accommodate a parent rooming in. The unit is much quieter than their previous space; parents have more opportunity to hold and bond with their baby. Staff and families agree that the unit is a huge improvement over their former space.

IMG_7161Joan explains how every advantage has its costs. “There’s a huge NICU in St. Louis that has half private rooms and half babies in open areas. Babies are assigned randomly. They follow their babies for three years, as do we. Three years later they’ve found that the babies in the open area are developmentally ahead of the ones in private rooms.” All that noise, all that chaos that present medical and infection challenges, also provides stimulation that gave the babies who survive a leg up in life.

IMG_7168“We’ve gotten so good at teaching parents to put their babies on their backs to avoid SIDS, babies are developing ‘flat heads’ from laying on their backs. Now we have to guide them to tummy time, while watching the baby.”

This is not to say that private rooms are not a good idea or you should let your baby sleep on her stomach. It’s just another lesson that the more we think we know, there’s always another level of refinement.

How will we live tomorrow?

IMG_7170“My hope for me is to live in retirement. My hope for this world is to have more interaction.” – Joan Treacy

“When I go into the staff lounge, I always sit next to the oldest nurse there; she’s less likely to be on her phone and we can talk. I have one son that just graduated college and another who just finished high school. I think about their future. I hope its good, but I have my doubts.” – Christine Byerly

 

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Trip Log – Day 288 – Athens GA to Decatur GA

Posted on August 22, 2016 by paulefallon

to AtlantaAugust 19, 2016 – Sunny, 85 degrees

Miles Today: 67

Miles to Date: 14,817

States to Date: 41

 IMG_6762Truth in blogging: I am getting too old to drink beer at local bars with Millenial’s and then pedal hard the next day. Sure, I had elevation climbs and a steady headwind, but too much beer and too little sleep made the cycling harder.

The first leg took me through Athens verdant neighborhoods and through a series of small siding towns along one of the main railroad lines climbing to Atlanta. However, from Lawrenceville to Decatur, I simply persevered thirty miles of exurbs and suburbs and ever bigger, gaudier houses.

IMG_6767I did take a break to snack up at Aldi, a Costco meets Trader Joe’s chain I’ve seen along my routes but had never visited. Funky foods in cardboard cartons with a friendly staff.

Despite the slog, my endorphins eventually kicked in. I arrived at my hosts, showered, and enjoyed a wonderful evening sharing stories with Laura and Mike, a truly thoughtful pair who gave me a fascinating introduction to Atlanta.

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Profile Response: Hannah Collins, Baltimore MD

Posted on August 22, 2016 by paulefallon

HWWLT Logo on yellowHannah Collins grew up in East Africa, the oldest child of Christian missionaries. Though she visited the US on regular vacations, Hannah never lived here until she attended college. “It’s difficult to transition to the United States after living in a place like Kenya. You can’t expect people who have never lived abroad to understand how different this country is from other places.”

Hannah graduated from Azusa Pacific University in biology and accepted a one-year internship at the UPMC Center for Health Security. Despite its UMPC designation, the center is located in Baltimore where founder DA Henderson, a prominent physician who led the initiative to eliminate smallpox in the world, has a long affiliation with Johns Hopkins.

images“Health security is bio warfare, bio terrorism, and our response to such acts. CHS studies our health policies about pandemics, explores how hospitals can be prepared, and analyzes the public health consequences that can ensure health security.”

Hannah is leaving Baltimore to begin a Master’s in Public Health at Columbia this fall, a program renowned for its focus on global health.

How will we live tomorrow?

Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 6.56.46 PM“As a faith-based individual – I’m a Christian – I would like to see people treat each other better, to have people focus on solving our collective problems rather than focusing on our own problems. That’s what, ideally, I’d like to do.”

 

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Trip Log – Day 287 – Augusta GA to Athens GA

Posted on August 21, 2016 by paulefallon

To Athens GAAugust 18, 2016 – Sunny, 95 degrees

Miles Today: 97

Miles to Date: 14,750

States to Date: 41

Some long riding days are so satisfying. Get up early and on the road before the heat sets in, stay focused on progress but take breaks to meet interesting folks and stay fresh. I logged a lot of miles, climbed over 2,000 feet into the Georgia foothills, and had several local adventures.

images-1I savored my first Waffle House experience in Thomson. The entire staff called out, “welcome!’ when I walked in, though my waitress was surprised I asked for a menu. Waffle House is all about repeat customers and pretty much everyone orders the All-Star breakfast: two eggs any style, two sausage patties, two slices of toast, grits, plus a large waffle. Next time, I won’t bother with a menu. For seven bucks, the All-Star breakfast rocks.

IMG_6752I needed all those carbs along the Whitesboro Road, a scenic country road to an early Quaker settlement. Just past the few remaining structures the pavement turned into a dirt logging road. Fortunately, Georgia red clay makes a pretty sound road surface.

 

IMG_6753Washington is a town with many beautiful historic houses, but I didn’t linger at any of them as thunderclouds threatened in early afternoon. For the rest of the day I dodged storms that raged all around me.

 

 

IMG_6756 IMG_6757But I did stop to visit with local farmer Libby who grows and sells Muscadines and Scuppernongs, two delicious local grapes, from a farm stand with a welcome breeze. These plump fruits are certainly healthier than Waffle House fare.

I was already in Athens by the time a thunderstorm finally caught me. I ducked into in a car wash stall until the skies cleared and I pedaled to my host’s on time.

Screen Shot 2016-08-20 at 4.19.35 PMJon Pierson is very gregarious guy and regular couchsurfing host who recently moved to Athens. He organized a couchsurfing meet-up at the HiLo bar in Normaltown. Eight other people showed up, commandeered a corner table, drank great local drafts, and talked about all things couchsurfing, Athens, University of Georgia, and tomorrow.

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Responses: How will we live tomorrow?

Posted on August 21, 2016 by paulefallon

How will we live tomorrow?

“I’m going to go on. I had a dual lung transplant a year and a half ago and I completely fine.”

Molly, ferry rider, Cape May, NJ

How will we live tomorrow?

“I’m just waiting for the second coming.”

Kathy, ferry ticket seller, Cape May, NJ

How will we live tomorrow?

“We’re going to live good. Healthy hearts.”

Charles Myers, teenage cyclist, Cape May, NJ

How will we live tomorrow?

“Same s**t as today.”

David, gardener, Dover, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“I have no answer to that question.”

Senjin, Delaware DOT flagman, St. Georges, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“In Belize. That’s where I want to build a second home. Every day up until then in working toward that goal.”

John, snorkeling enthusiast, Aberdeen, MD

How will we live tomorrow?

“If we all work together things can get better, but if we don’t we’ll split. Sorry to say I have a negative track on this. I want us to come together but I’m afraid we’re coming apart.”

Sam, Streets Cashier, Baltimore, MD

How will we live tomorrow?

“You’re talking with a guy who drove an electric car.”

Andy Brandenberg, Epworth UMC Congregant, Rehoboth Beach, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“This church is a microcosm of where we need to go. We have a lot of diversity. It takes a lot of discussion. But we work at it to all get along.”

Vicky Starnes, Senior Pastor, Epworth UMC Church, Rehoboth Beach, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“Yes Lord. Here I am. Use me.”

Lynn Kohler, Deaconess in training, Rehoboth Beach, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“We’re in a period of chaos and upheaval that I think will resolve itself to a better place. I hope there is a new resurgence in spirituality. The only way we grow spiritually is through suffering. That opens us to growth. We have to cut the furrow to open the soil to plant the seed from which there is growth.”

Sterling Green, retired minister, Rehoboth Beach, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“By the grace of God.”

Kathleen Blise, Kenyan Missionary, Dover, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“Good.”

Amali Blise, six-year-old with a summer bucket list, Dover, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“In Kenya we have people who ride bicycles across the country to delivery supplies for others. We need that everywhere.”

Maurice Blise, Kenyan refugee, Dover, DE

How will we live tomorrow?

“Happy and healthy. Stay with family and friends.”

Saupxadya, head of family of cyclists, Baltimore, MD

How will we live tomorrow?

“This is food for thought right now.”

Sharon Langley, Howard University administrator, Washington DC

How will we live tomorrow?

“It will take thirty years or more to change the way we live today. There is too much arguing across Congress to make any real change.”

Charles, Library of Congress, Washington DC

How will we live tomorrow?

“I don’t have a car. I don’t have any expenses except my rent and utilities, and my student loans of course. I live in the middle of everything and ride my bike and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Kate, Capitol Bikeshare rider, Washington DC

How will we live tomorrow?

“I’m on the board of the C&O Canal. I come out here when its sunny and 90 in the city and enjoy the breeze and the shade.”

Dennis Shiflit, hiker, Monocacy, MD

How will we live tomorrow?

“I’ll be hiking Katadhin. I wish I’d done Maine ten years ago, but I’ll still do it.”

Susan, AT Section hiker, Harper’s Ferry, WV

 

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Trip Log – Day 286 – New Ellenton SC to Augusta GA

Posted on August 20, 2016 by paulefallon

To Thomson GAAugust 17, 2016 – Sunny, 95 degrees

Miles Today: 30

Miles to Date: 14,653

States to Date: 41

 IMG_6730Welcome to Georgia! I took an easy day and got my bike a 2,000 mile check-up at Andy Jordan’s Bike Shop in Augusta. Tom got a new pair of shiny red pedals after the factory standard plastic ones cracked and the shop was out of any subtle colors. Just another way for me to stand out on the road!

 

I rode along the Augusta canal system and then took a long afternoon break in McDonald’s. About 2:00 I realized the dining room was full of young people. Turned out to be interview afternoon. IIMG_6731 overheard the manager give a dozen or more personal interviews – the exact same questions to all applicants. A few candidates spoke right up, but most slumped through the ordeal. With so many applicants, shy folks won’t make the cut.

On my way to Hearth Table catfish buffet I came upon a confused elderly man in an electric wheelchair. He showed me his nametag: Sylvester Dawson, Richmond Summit House. I goggled his apartment, discovered it was more than a mile away, and asked him what he was doing out on such a hot day. “Getting lost.” So, I walked him sixteen blocks through Augusta’s eviscerated inner city. Many streets had no sidewalks, but his low-boy wheelchair navigated the blacktop better than concrete anyway. We made quite a pair. I let my bright shirt and saddIMG_6736lebags stand between Sylvester and what little traffic there was.

A husky back woman, his wife Linda, waited at the lobby of a questionably respectable apartment house on Augusta’s aging Broad Street. Despite his Alzheimer, I could tell the poor man was in for a good scold.

I finally got to my buffet, famished, just before a torrential downpour flooded the city and barely lowered the thermostat a notch. No worry. The catfish was excellent.

 

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