December 27th, 2012

The Junction and Breakwater Trail, Jogging, Hiking, Biking, Strolling, “Standing in the Path of a Train!”, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Delaware Beaches

The coastal towns at the Delaware Beaches are the perfect ones for jogging, hiking, biking, and strolling.  These towns are flat and at sea level.  So, on Christmas Day my sister in law, Susie, and I decided that it was time to walk off some of the Christmas cookies, the rib roast, all the trimmings and the buckwheat cakes….we were not the only ones doing this.  Exercising was in everyone’s mind and they were not waiting for the New Year’s resolutions.  We were all getting a head start.

If you are visiting Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, a distraction from the beach, shopping and dining would be to discover this beautiful trail.  You do not even feel you are at the beach.

The Junction and Breakwater Trail is on the path of an early railroad.  The Junction and Breakwater Railroad Company began in 1857 and it joined Northern and Southern Delaware.  The junction in Harrington, Delaware, then connected to the rail line from Wilmington and the breakwater on the bay in Lewes in 1870.  But it only reached Rehoboth Beach in 1878.

This railroad first carried passengers and freight.  Later, in the 20th century, people started traveling by car and the rail line only carried freight.  It shut down when trucks took over the job of transporting freight.

In 2003, the Division of Parks & Recreation used the old railbed to create the hiking and biking trail for the public.  There were some complaints, but I think everyone is happy that this 6 mile trail is used and enjoyed by many.

There are different ways on accessing the trail.  Parking for the trail is located at Wolfe Neck Area off Cape Henlopen State Park.  Riders from Rehoboth Beach can head out of town over the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal draw bridge and take a right on Church St.  Turn left past the church and follow the road that passes the entrance to Canal Cokran.  Or, you can do, like Susie and I did and park behind the Rehoboth Beach Oulets (Seaside), north of Holland Glad Rd.  To me, that is the easiest from Rehoboth Beach, if you are walking.

Please note that pets need to be on a maximum 6 foot leash at all times.  And, no horseback riding is permitted on the trail.

The trail is 10 feet wide.  It has a crushed stone surface, therefore, it is wheelchair accessible.

If you remember, Christmas Day was about 50+ degrees and it really was nice to walk the trail.  The first think I spotted was the Rehoboth Dairy Farm which you could see at a distance.

It has the best milk, butter, eggs, scrapple and meats.  It opens Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Woods, salt marshes, mud flats and peat are in abundance.  The salt marshes are valuable to humans, animals, and the environment.

The marsh grasses absorb the storms’ impact.

Peat, which is a mixture of dead grass and rut, acts like a sponge, storing flood waters and absorbing the energy of the waves.

Mud flats give birds a place to rest and eat.  These cardinals were gorgeous.

The maritime forest is the most stable environment along the coast.  Plants adapt to the environment and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

While walking, you will find that there are benches in case you need to rest.

The 80 foot railroad bridge was originally built in 1913.  It crosses Holland Glade and provides views of the WWII towers, which protected the Delaware coast during those times.

We walked 3 miles up and 3 miles back.

A good way to spend Christmas Day!!  You could barely see the moon.  Almost a Full Moon!

Note:  Information for this post was taken from the Delaware State Park & Recreation.

October 6th, 2010

One World Cafe, Vegan, Restaurant, Review, Stony Run Trail, Baltimore, Maryland

You wonder if I am still blogging about the beaches.  Of course, but I had a little detour and I do love checking other places out.  So, my posts this past week have reflected that.

Last week I was in Baltimore and Susie and I took off for a long walk.  By the way, Susie is my sister in law and an avid walker.  We had a destination in mind, this being the One World Cafe but in order to get there and have breakfast we needed to walk close to 2 miles.

We took a trail called the Stony Run Trail.  It was a beautiful autumn day.  The Stony Run Trail follows the railroad bed of the former Baltimore & Delta/Maryland Central.  Service began between Baltimore and Towson in 1882.  Then in 1891 the Maryland Central merged to form the Baltimore & Lehigh Railroad, then to merge again to form the Ma & Pa in 1901, which was in service into the 1950’s.

There are no railroads running now on this beautiful trail that navigates through very pretty neighborhoods.  The restoration of the Stony Run Stream has been completed and community involvement has been on-going to prevent erosion and to improve the condition of the trail.  Native plants, trees and shrubs have been planted and the trail is used by walkers, runners, and bikers.

So, if you like to walk this trail is a “way to travel” in Roland Park.  It connects a lot of great destinations in the northern Baltimore suburbs; to the Baltimore Museum of Arts, Johns Hopkins Campus, Charles Village, Roland Park, Hampden and Remington.  If you are acquainted with Baltimore, then you know that all these neighborhoods are known for their wonderful restaurants and shops.

Finally we arrived at One World Cafe located at 100 W. University Parkway.  Tel. 410-235-5777.  Website is www.one-world-cafe.com.  It is practically, across Johns Hopkins University.

One World Cafe reminded me of some of the restaurants that I visited in Boulder, Colorado.  It was eclectic and bohemian. 

Their motto?  “Healthy vegetarian cuisine in a casual, eclectic atmosphere.”

One World Cafe serves organic and chemical free fruits, vegetables and whole grains, whenever possible. 

Their menu reflect the vegan items; vegan desserts, fair trade organic coffee, organic wine, beer or local brews.  The restaurant has a full service bar that is open until 2 a.m.

If you are someone that has a food allergy, this restaurant is very aware and sensitive to those with dietary limitations.

We were hungry but coffee was on my mind.  I had one of the best cups of coffee in a long time.  I should say a large cup of coffee.  I like my coffee with a bold taste and it was rich and foamy and perfect!!  The barista outdid himself.  I told him so.

Next I ordered a Smoked Salmon Omelette, which had smoked salmon, red onion, tomato and capers.  Served with multi grain bread.  On the menu it stated that if you ate gluten free, then avoid the bread.  Delicious.

I wanted to try the vegan meatless sausage patties and they were very good, as well.

Susie ordered the Blue Corn Cakes and she got 2 large pancakes served with butter and organic maple syrup. 

She wanted to try the Fakin Bacon.  She liked my sausage better but I liked the bacon just as much as the sausage.

Even though we only had breakfast, the dinner menu looked very interesting and I would love to come back and try some of their offerings. 

I found the restaurant very comforting, a neighborhood restaurant where you can just stop by and have just a cup of coffee, read the paper sitting on one of the sofas, tables, or at the bar and have breakfast, just like we did. 

One World Cafe is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

Have a great day!!!…Talk to you later….

Note:  Some of the information for my post was taken from www.stonyruntrail.com/pdf./WIAnews_June07.pdf.