May 19, 2012 Day 26 — Riverhead to Southold, Long Island (21.6 miles)

Conspiracy

Another day more beautiful than the one before. Is it meteorological reparation for Tuesday’s baptism by deluge? I embrace it for what it is — a gift.

Swiss Motel in Riverhead does not offer breakfast, so that’s my cue to quickly move on. I humbly but emphatically ask the universe today to provide me with a breakfast place that measures up to Judy’s and my weekly Saturday breakfasts out in the West Chester. Inadvertently, I forget to take the GPS suggested turn (a shortcut), and thankfully so, because voilà, there before me is Star Confectionery Luncheonette on Main Street, a well-renovated old drugstore with luncheon counter of yesteryear. The tastefully restored space (with tin ceiling and front counter) evokes a time when life moved more slowly and people gathered to shoot the breeze. Anthony, the owner, is a short-order cook par excellence who knows his art. His home-fries are cooked to perfection. When I tell the waitress, Toni-Ann, about Nathaniel’s story and my pilgrimage, her eyes tear up. Her empathy receptors like mine are well-honed. Two tables down from me a dad enjoys his toddler son. So do I as he beams at me and smiles. And then my tears star to flow. Does this young dad realize how precious the gift next to him is? I do. Breakfast is on the house, and I am grateful for the universe’s gift.

And then I walk — today’s agenda, and yesterday’s and the day before too. Knowing that Judy has already reserved a room for me at the Willow Hill House Bed & Breakfast, I am given the gift to relax for today’s journey to Southold — 21.6 miles. How beautiful everything is around me — the landscape, the little charming towns, the extraordinary day. I pass twelve baby goats who gather and “baa..baa..baa” to me as I go by — that’s Goat for “Buen Camino!”

Tour buses rush by. What’s the attraction? Oh, I’m walking the North Fork Wine Trail with countless vineyards to the right and left of the road. (Do I stop? It’s not even noon yet.) The temptation grows, and by 3:30 I give in when I see a Pinot Noir advertisement at the Duck Walk Vineyards, only a mile from the B & B. What’s the risk? A charming woman at the counter welcomes me in. “Oh no, I’m not here for a 6-glass tasting spree,” I explain. After telling her the reason for my backpack, Conor at the tasting bar offers me the coveted Pinot Noir that originally seduced me, followed by two other varieties so that I can compare and contrast intelligently. I’m all for good research.

After that serious academic work, good luck comes my way again. Gayle and Jack welcome me to their charming B & B. When the universe conspires, it doesn’t hold back, does it? Maybe it does so all the time, but we’re just too busy to notice. Today I notice and am grateful. Namaste!