Vagabond Vol.4 - Finding Beer on Thayer Hill
There was a time, not so long ago, where the days ran freely and the weeks end was filled with nothing. Not so long for me, but perhaps longer for others. In those days, it would have been no big deal to waste away a Saturday walking the back paths of the Crescent Trail, goofing around on the Ontario Pier or grilling up a feast at Genesee Park. These were, in the best sense, aimless days; where doing something was preferable to nothing. I wouldn’t always be able to convince Kevin to meet me on the edge of the burbs to trek some local dog trail, but every now and then I would succeed.
Thayer Hill is perhaps one of the more scenic areas on the Crescent Trail, popular among nearby residents for afternoon and evening strolls. It’s probably not as much of an attraction now as it used to be (for the modern audience), but I always loved it as a kid, fond memories. I’d been all up and down these trails before I ever left home, and even made a few bridges for the trial organization for my Eagle Scout Project. More fond memories.
At this point in time, I’ve nearly finished school and Kevin is comfortably aclimating in to a successful career. Whimsical times to be sure; with his yet-to-be wife off at school, there is little obligation for our free time. After moving back to the East Side, I had begun visiting these trails more frequently, and in a few cases I had succeeded in dragging Kevin along.
The paths leading up to the hill are crisscrossed and myopic, providing longer and shorter options in nearly every direction. I do know the way, and I’m familiar with the trails, but we end up taking go a few quick detours, unintentionally. In those days we were rambunctious and cock sure, we wing it, since I’m mostly convinced I know the way. We get there eventually, and we talk the whole way. Kevin is a soft, expressive soul.
In those days, the truly banal and mundane nature of civilian life had yet to catch up with me, nor had I developed the necessary interests to satiate my wanderlust. In those days, we were both quite a bit longer in the tooth (and the hair). I look like Einstein, Kevin looks like Jesus; an odd happenstance, he’s more the scientist and I’m more the philosopher. A “cosmic coincidence,” I once mused.
We’re in a conquering mood these days, The 46 High Peaks are on our radar (they still are). The Horizon is calling, a new adventure is demanded, we’ve had a small taste… but now it’s time for more. On our way to the top of Thayer Hill we are discussing plans, strategies and achievements. Once we’ve conquered the 46 there will be others to tackle. When we get to the outlook, two beers are sitting in the weeds off trail, no doubt left by some devious teenagers. We thank them whole heartedly, and cheers to the future.
