Later this year, Danelle and I will have been married for 25 years. Not surprising, I’m still quite fond of her. In fact, I’m still doing my best to impress her. This is difficult to do as Danelle has some sort of internal GPS cause she always seems to know where she is when I’m trying to surprise her. Maybe, I’m just too predictable.
I had recently learned about the Ted Jones Trail. Its a 2.2 mile multi use trail from the UMSL campus going into Ferguson, MO. I have never been on this trail, but it looked interesting. Even better if I could make it a surprise date with Danelle.
Feeling a bit like a single guy trying to get the girl, I asked Danelle if she was free tonight and if she was willing to walk a few miles. She had a tentative yes for me. Off we went. I encouraged her this time to guess where we were going and what we were doing.
She made guesses as we headed towards our local MetroLink stop to catch the train. As we approached the parking, she quickly guessed that we were getting on the Metro. Then she said we were going to Forest Park. I told her no, we were not going there but good guess. Then I looked at the map and realized that we had to transfer to the other train at Forest Park. Darn her for being somewhat correct.
When we switched trains, she admitted that she truly had no idea where we were going. Trust me, she scanned the stops on the map, but didn’t know where we were going. I was happy because I was with Danelle, but this brought great joy to me.
When we arrived at the northern UMSL stop we got off the train. Danelle was stumped. At this point, I told her what the rest of the evening’s plan was. It was all new to both of us and I was holding her hand as we walked.
I was looking forward to the tunnel going under Interstate I-70. There was good art and graffiti to look forward to.
Guessing the door was locked.
Still my favorite girl!
The worst part of this 2 ish mile walk on the trail is this section of mud, but we made the best if it walking on strategically placed stones.
Our prize for the walk was dinner at Ferguson Brewing Company. Danelle likes onion rings so we got the appetizer before dinner to go with our beers.
The dinner was great and the company better. Then full, we walked back the way we came 2 more miles to the Metro stop and then back home. I would call this date a success. Hiking, good food, and better company. I’ll have to find something else to make my lady smile. What a fantastic day!
Hogan Haake