A Walk in Patapsco State Park with David Illar
With our recent partial move to the Baltimore area, we have been exploring the outdoors to find hidden gems. Recently, I found one. While our wives were reconnecting with old high school friends in D.C., I had the chance to walk 4.5 miles in Patapsco State Park with David Illar.
It was more than just a hike, it was a conversation about life, aging, and what comes next when our traditional careers slow down, but our energy and curiosity don't. I recently spoke on this topic and on Dialogue Miles™ at the Miami Valley Age-Friendly Summit.
Dave and I found ourselves reflecting on questions and topics that feel especially relevant at this stage of life:
A Few Things That Stayed with Me
Redefining the Morning
What does the day look like when work is no longer the destination? That question carries more weight than most realize.Shared Experience Matters
Life becomes richer when you have something active to do alongside your partner. It creates connection in a different way.New Friendships
New relationships remind us how much we still have in common. The opportunity for connection does not diminish over time.Stay Open to New Tools
E-bikes are a game changer. Sometimes small shifts can unlock entirely new experiences.Time Together Builds Friendship
A walk, a conversation, a beer, a game. Simple moments create lasting connection.
And perhaps most importantly: Don’t overthink friendships. If you leave feeling energized, laughing, reflecting, or just seeing something from a new perspective, that’s a friendship worth investing in.
Here’s to many more walks, conversations, and connections like this one.
