Five Star Trail

Yesterday was such a beautiful day in Western Pennsylvania.  Almost 80*, bright and sunny, and barely a breeze.  It was much too nice a day to stay inside!  I was home early enough (before my doctor’s appointment) that I decided to walk the Five Star Trail.  I drove down to Buncher Park by Youngwood and parked there, then headed to Midway. I grew up on Shady Lane (Midway) and thought I might walk up there through the old neighborhood.  I had just started walking, and snapped a picture of the high water in Jack’s run, when I ran into one of those neighborhood neighbors. 

Ondi and Bill moved in across from us when I was in high school, and we became fast friends.  We stood and talked for about 20 minutes, catching up on family and community news.  One of the other neighbors had passed away last month; I hadn’t heard.  Bill had had shoulder surgery and it was slowing him down.  The years just fell away, and we really enjoyed talking.  She went south as I continued north on the trail, enjoying my little walk down memory lane. I love slate banks, and this one was note-worthy!  I snapped two pictures of the trestle where we had our ‘secret’ club. 

Further down there was the old prison, now empty, that we had sat on Bill and Ondi’s hill to watch it be built. Then one of the storm drains created a little waterfall.  I walked as far as the Midway-St. Clair fire department, where I had my wedding reception – flag waving brightly.  By the time I made it back to the railroad crossing, I came upon Ondi again and we spent another 15 minutes talking about exercise, food choices, and the crazy amount of times Weight Watchers had changed their program in the last ten year! 

By then it was time for me to head home – so it was my turn to continue south and she actually went east – up Shady Lane and home.  It was a particularly pleasant afternoon, an enjoyable visit, and a refreshing walk.  Can’t wait for the REAL spring to show up – I’ll do it again!